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HISTORY 


OF    THE 


ABINGTOff  BAPTIST  ASSOCIATION 


ZFIROIM:   1807    TO   1857. 


By    EDWARD    L.    BAILEY,   A.    M., 

PASTOR   OF   BEREAN  BAPTIST   CHURCH,  CARBONDALE,   PA. 


§eghimttg  at  |erusaltm.' 


PHILADELPHIA : 

J.  A.  WAGENSELLER,  NO.  23  NORTH  SIXTH  ST. 

18  6  3. 


ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 


The  necessary  means  for  publishing  this  History  of 
the  Abington  Baptist  Association,  have  been  generously 
furnished  by  Rev.  C.  A.  Fox,  Isaac  Dean,  Esq.,  Ste- 
phen Parker,  Esq.,  Dea.  Joseph  B.  Miller,  and  Rev. 
Benjamin  Miller,  of  Abington,  Luzerne  county ;  and 
Hon.  James  Mumford,  of  Scott,  and  E.  K.  Norton, 
Esq.,  of  Clinton,  Wayne  county,  Pennsylvania. 


CO^TTElsTTS. 


ANNALS    OF    THE   ASSOCIATION. 

Page. 

Organization, 13 

First  Decade,  1807-17,          ....  16 

Second  Decade,  1817,-'27, 22 

Third  Decade,  1827-'37,         ....  31 

Fourth  Decade,  1837-47,  42 

Fifth  Decade,  1847-57,          ....  56 

historical  sketches  of  the  several  chorches. 

Abington,   First, 82 

Abington,  West, 232 

Abington  Valley, 261 

Aldenville, 258 

Ashland,              243 

Berean  of  Carbondale,         ....  205 

Bethany,              108 

Benton,            -        -        -        -        -        -        -  167 

Berlin,                 -        -        -        -        -        -        -  222 

Blakely, 199 

Barryville  and  Shohola,         ....  267 

Clinton, 159 

Clifford,  First,         - 127 

Clifford,  Second, 189 

Covington, 211 

Damascus,  First, 134 

Damascus,  Second, 246 


VI.  CONTENTS. 

Page. 

Herrick, 177 

HoNESDALE, 192 

hollisterville,       -        -        -                       -  252 

Hyde  Park, 218 

Lebanon, 214 

Lenox, 155 

Mount  Pleasant, 96 

Mount  Bethel, 249 

Newton, 227 

Palmyra, 75 

Preston  Centre,     -        -        -        -        -        -  265 

Paupack  Eddy, -  180 

Scranton, 269 

Salem, 255 

Scott, 146 

Scott  Yalley, 117 

Ten  Mile  Eiver, 185 

Union, 238 

biographical  notices  of  the  pioneer  ministers. 

pioneer  preachers. 

Eev.  Epaphras  Thompson,      -  277 

Eev.  Samuel  Sturdevant,         ...        -  280 

Eev.  William  Bishop, 285 

pioneer  pastors. 

Eev.  William  Purdy, 292 

Eev.  John  Miller,  {See  Frontispiece,)    -        -  298 

Eev.  Elijah  Peck, 306 


PREFACE. 


There  are  in  Pennsylvania  seventeen  Baptist  Asso- 
ciations, embracing  nearly  four  hundred  churches,  with 
a  membership  of  some  forty  thousand.  Their  history 
extending  over  the  last  century  and  a  half,  has  never 
been  written  and  published  in  a  connected  and  perma- 
nent form.  The  materials  for  such  a  work,  are  widely 
scattered  and  will  ere  long  pass  beyond  recall,  unless 


Note— There  have  been  twenty-three  Baptist  Associations  organized  in 
Pennsylvania  as  follows,  viz.,  Philadelphia,  1707;  Redstone,  1776;  Chemunf 
1796  :  Juniata,  1800 ;  Abington,  1807 ;  Beaver,  1809 ;  Susquehanna,  1818 ;  North- 
umberland, 1820  ;  French  Creek,  1823;  Bridge  water,  1825;  Washington,  1826- 
Centre,  1830;  Central  Union,  1832;  Monongahela,  1832;  Bradford,  1835;  Clarion 
1837;  Pittsburg,  1839  ;  Tioga,  1842;  Wyoming,  1842 ;  Conemaugh,  1843;  Clear- 
field, 1846;  North  Philadelphia,  1858;  and  Ten  Mile,  1858.  The  Redstone 
Chemung,  Juniata,  Conemaugh,  Washington,  and  Susquehanna,  have  dis- 
banded. 

The  history  of  the  Susquehanna  Association  was  written  by  the  late  Rev. 
Joel  Rogers,  of  the  Wyoming  Valley,  and  published  in  pamphlet  form  in 
1832i  The  history  of  Chemung  Association  was  written  by  the  late  Rev. 
ThorAas  Smiley,  A.  M.,  of  the  White  Deer  Valley,  in  about  1830.  The  manu- 
script is"si  the  possession  of  his  son,  Thomas  T.  Smiley,  M.  D.,  of  Philadel- 
phia. The  early  history  of  Philadelphia  Association,  the  oldest  in  the  State, 
and  indeed  in  the  United  States,  was  written  by  the  late  Rev.  Horatio  Gates 
Jones,  D.  D.,  one  of  its  pioneer  pastors,  and  published  in  1832-'33,  in  num- 
bers in  a  Baptist  periodical  called  The  World,  a  complete  file  of  which  is  in 
the  Library  of  Horatio  Gates  Jones,  Esq.,  son  of  the  author  and  present  clerk 
of  Philadelphia  Association. 


Vlll.  PREFACE. 

they  are  soon  gathered  and  garnered  in  the  form  of 
local  histories,  or  deposited  in  the  Library  of  the  Baptist 
Historical  Society.  The  course  of  the  Abington  Bap- 
tist Association,  has  been  sketched  in  the  following 
pages  as  a  slight  contribution  to  the  history  of  Penn- 
sylvania Baptists. 

In  this  work  I  have  sought  to  correctly  trace  the 
gradual  growth  of  this  Association,  from  its  obscure 
origin,  through  the  first  half  century  of  its  subsequent 
existence.  I  have  sketched  its  Annals,  Churches,  and 
Pioneer  Ministers,  marking  the  various  steps  and  stages 
of  its  progress;  its  reverses  and  revivals;  its  trials 
and  triumphs. 

The  materials  for  these  sketches  have  been  carefully 
gleaned  at  irregular  intervals  of  opportunity  or  in- 
clination, during  the  past  ten  years,  from  various 
sources  more  or  less  reliable,  as  the  published  Minutes, 
Church  Records,  Annual  Letters,  monumental  inscrip- 
tions and  indistinct  recollections  of  surviving  friends. 
The  information  thus  furnished  has  not  always  been 
entirely  reliable  or  harmonious.  In  cases,  however,  of 
doubt  or  discrepancy,  by  carefully  culling  and  colla- 
ting the  different  statements,  the  essential  facts  have 
usually  been  satisfactorily  determined,  and  such  of 
them  recorded  as  seemed  of  sufficient  interest  or  im- 
portance. 

It  has  not  been  my  design  to  severely  criticise  the 


PREFACE.  IX. 

course  or  character  of  the  Association,  but  rather  to 
present  the  bare  facts  of  its  history  and  leave  others 
more  competent,  to  decide  as  to  their  beauties  or  blem- 
ishes. Neither  have  I  indulged  in  mere  empty  praise 
or  harsh  censure  of  the  numerous  persons  named  in 
these  sketches.  However,  where  it  seemed  necessary, 
I  have  not  hesitated  to  write  plain  things  of  some  whose 
general  course  may  have  been  eminently  proper  and 
praiseworthy,  while  I  have  not  unfrequently  made 
honorable  mention  of  others  whose  subsequent  years 
may  have  been  marred  by  grave  defects  or  even  gross 
and  grievous  apostasy.  My  notices  of  many  of  these, 
have  been  but  casual,  and  necessarily  incomplete. 
They  were  hastily  sketched  as  they  appeared  at  the 
time,  however  ugly  or  elegant  might  have  been  their 
posture  or  position.  Thus  seeming  injustice  may  have 
been  done  to  both  classes ;  the  one  receiving  undue 
praise,   and  the  other  unmerited  censure. 

In  these  sketches  an  occasional  repetition  will  be 
observed,  both  as  to  fact  and  language.  This  could 
not  easily  be  avoided  on  account  of  the  intimate  rela- 
tion and  general  similarity  existing  among  their  nu- 
merous subjects.  The  career  of  the  six  Pioneer  Min- 
isters noticed,  possessed  much  in  common  and  little  in 
contrast.  The  place  and  period  of  their  birth  and 
ordination,  were  nearly  identical.  Their  subsequent 
lives  were  passed  amid  similar  scenes  and  associations. 


X.  PREFACE. 

The  thirty-five  Churches  sketched,  were  planted  and 
trained  under  kindred  circumstances.  A  faithful  de- 
scription of  one  would  be  appropriate  to  all,  with  but 
slight  variations.  The  fifty  Anniversaries  described, 
were  much  alike  in  their  general  aspect  and  exercises, 
affording  little  opportunity  for  variety  either  in  matter 
or  manner.  I  have,  however,  aimed  in  these  sketches 
to  give  prominence  to  peculiarities  in  their  subjects  and 
thus  secure  a  degree  of  variety  and  avoid  as  much  as 
possible  the  use  of  favorite  phrases  and  stereotyped 
expressions. 

In  closing  this  Preface  I  will  not  deny  myself  the 
pleasure  of  recording  my  obligations  to  the  numerous 
persons  who  have  kindly  aided  me  in  collecting  materi- 
als for  this  work.  To  the  Rev.  Zelotes  Grenell,  whose 
name  stands  prominent  in  the  Annals  of  the  Associa- 
tion ;  and  the  Rev.  Charles  Miller,  the  esteemed  pas- 
tor for  so  many  years  of  the  Clifford  Church,  I  am 
peculiarly  indebted  for  timely  assistance.  I  have  also 
received  valuable  information  from  the  Revs.  A.  M. 
Calkin,  Rial  Tower,  J.  M.  Ball,  J.  B.  Kenyon,  Lewis 
Peck,  Benjamin  Miller,  J.  B.  Case,  Charles  Parker, 
B.  B.  Bunting,  D.  W.  Halsted,  I.  Be  van,  and  Elijah 
Sturdevant ;  also  from  Messrs.  Thomas  Y.  Atherton, 
S.  Owen,  E.  K.  Norton,  Alvinzy  Gardner,  and  many 
others.  Mrs.  Sarah  T.  Cramer,  of  Greenfield,  Mrs. 
Eunice  L.  Torrey,  of  Bethany,  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  H. 


PREFACE.  XI. 

Peck,  of  Mt.  Pleasant,  have  also  furnished  dusty  docu- 
ments and  rare  reminiscences  of  much  value  and  inter- 
est. I  am  indebted  to  the  pious  care  of  the  last  named 
for  the  preservation  of  the  Manuscript  Minutes  of  the 
organization  of  the  Association. 

In  the  humble  hope  that  this  work  may  cherish  the 
memory  of  the  Pioneers  of  this  Association  and  en- 
courage their  sons  and  successors  to  emulate  their  pious 
zeal  and  self-sacrificing  example,  and  thus  subserve  the 
cause  of  Christ  and  the  good  of  man,  it  is  now  diffi- 
dently submitted  to  the  candid  consideration  of  the 
Christian  public. 

E.  L.  B. 

Carbondale  City,  Pa  ,  Dec.  1st,  1863. 


ANNALS  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION 


The  Abington  Association  originated  in  a  sensible 
necessity.  Three  Baptist  churches  had  been  formed  at 
different  periods  and  distant  places  in  North-Eastern 
Pennsylvania.  The  church  at  Palmyra,  Wayne  county, 
was  organized  in  the  Fall  of  1801 ;  that  at  Abington, 
Luzerne  county,  in  the  Spring  of  1802,  and  that  at  Mt» 
Pleasant,  Wayne  county,  in  the  Autumn  of  1807. 
These  churches  were  situated  about  thirty  miles  from 
each  other,  and  separated  by  an  almost  unbroken  wil- 
derness traversed  by  bridle  paths  or  traced  by  blazed 
trees  with  peculiar  difficulty  and  often  personal  danger* 
The  ministers  and  members  of  these  infant  and  isolated 
churches,  felt  the  necessity  and  importance  of  mutual 
counsel  and  encouragement.  Having  ascertained  the 
wants  and  wishes  of  each  other,  from  frequent  inter- 
views and  friendly  correspondence,  a  Convention  of 
delegates  from  these  three  churches,  was  held  on 
Saturday,  December  26, 1807,  at  the  log  cabin  of  Rev. 
John  Miller,  in  Abington,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  an 
Association  "  in  order  to  gain  a  more  general  union 
and  fellowship  for  the  promotion  of  the  welfare  of  Zion 
and  spread  of  the  Gospel  in  the  world."  The  meeting 
was  opened  by  singing  and  prayer,  and  a  sermon  was 
preached    by    Rev.   Elijah  Peck,    from  Ps.   118:    24. 


14  ANNALS   OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

"  This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made ;  we  will 
rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it."  The  Convention  was  then 
called  to  order,  and  organized  by  appointing  Rev. 
Epaphras  Thompson,  moderator,  and  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Giddings,  clerk.  Letters  were  read  from  Abington  and 
Mt.  Pleasant  Churches,  but  from  some  neglect  no  letter 
was  forwarded  from  Palmyra  Church.  The  first  of 
these  reported  10S  members ;  the  second,  8 ;  and  the 
third  about  29  ;  making  140  as  their  total  membership. 
The  following  persons  were  present  as  delegates  from 
these  churchesr  viz..,  from  Palmyra,  Rev.  Wm.  Purdy 
and  Wm.  Purdy,  Jr. ;  from  Abington,  Rev.  John  Mil- 
ler, Wm.  Clark,  Jas.  Hulse,  Roger  Orvis,  Jonathan 
Dean  and  Nathaniel  Giddings  ;  and  from  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Rev.  Epaphras  Thompson,  Rev.  Elijah  Peck,  and  Sam- 
uel Torrey.  Rev.  Samuel  Sturdevant,  of  Braintrim,  and 
Rev.  Davis  Dimock,  and  Joel  Rogers,  a  licentiate,  of 
Exeter,  were  also  present  and  by  request  took  seats  in 
the  Convention  and  part  in  its  deliberations. 

The  moderator  having  stated  the  object  of  the  meet- 
ing, the  Convention  proceeded  to  business.  After  list- 
ening to  an  extract  from  the  minutes  of  Sbaftsbury 
Association,  on  the  nature  and  design  of  Associations, 
and  freely  interchanging  and  fully  harmonizing  their 
views  and  opinions,  it  was  unanimously  resolved  "  to 
unite  and  combine  to  keep  an  annual  Association,  to  be 
called  the  Abington  Baptist  Association."  A  com- 
mittee was  then  appointed  to  "  draft  the  plan  of  a  Con- 
stitution for  the  churches  in  combination,"  and  report 
the  same  to  the  Convention  on  the  next  day,  consisting 
of  the  following  persons,  viz.,  Wm.  Purdy,  John  Mil- 
ler, Epaphras  Thompson,  Samuel  Torrey,  and  Nathaniel 


ITS    ORGANIZATION.  15 

Giddings.  Messrs.  Davis  Dimock  and  Joel  Rogers  were 
also  invited  to  "sit  with  and  hear  the  committee." 

The  above  committee  reported  on  the  following  day, 
a  constitution  which  was  unanimously  adopted  by  the 
Convention,  setting  forth  in  its  preamble  the  cardinal 
doctrines  of  the  Bible  and  distinctive  principles  of  Bap- 
tists, in  the  following  quaint  language,  viz.,  "  Holding 
the  doctrines  of  three  persons  in  one  Godhead,  the 
same  in  essence,  equal  in  power,  but  different  in  office 
— the  total  depravity  of  mankind  in  their  fallen  estate — 
the  free  grace  of  God  manifested  in  the  recovery  of 
those  that  believe  in  Christ — final  perseverance  of  saints 
from  grace  to  glory — baptism  by  immersion — the  res- 
urrection of  the  dead — final  judgment  and  the  condem- 
nation of  the  finally  impenitent  to  as  long  duration  as 
the  happiness  of  the  righteous."  Rev.  John  Miller  was 
also  appointed  to  present  a  circular  letter  and  preach 
the  introductory  sermon  at  the  first  anniversary  of  the 
Association.  The  Convention  then  dissolved  and  the 
members  dispersed.  Thus  originated  the  Abington 
Baptist  Association. 


16  ANNALS   OF   THE    ASSOCIATION. 

FIRST  DECADE,  1807—1817. 

The  First  Anniversary  was  held  at  the  house  of  Rev. 
Wm.  Purdy,  in  Palmyra,  commencing  on  the  second 
Wednesday  of  October,  1808,  John  Miller  preaching  the 
introductory  sermon  and  perhaps  officiating  as  moderator 
on  that  occasion.  The  churches  reported  about  190 
communicants. 

The  Second  Anniversary  was  held  at  the  house  of 
Mr.  Elijah  Dix,  in  Mt.  Pleasant,  commencing  on  the  last 
Wednesday  of  August,  1809.  It  is  presumed  that  Wm. 
Purdy  preached  the  introductory  sermon  and  officiated 
as  moderator,  thus  meeting  with  the  churches  in  a  tri- 
angular circuit  and  appointing  their  pastors  to  preach 
and  preside  by  a  liberal  rotation.  The  churches  report- 
ed 240  communicants.  No  minutes  were  printed  of  the 
first  three  meetings  of  this  body  ;  to  supply  this  defi- 
ciency the  clerk  was  instructed  to  furnish  each  church 
with  a  fair  copy  in  manuscript  for  circulation  among  its 
members  for  their  information  and  improvement. 

The  Third  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abington,  Au- 
gust 29th  and  30th,  1810.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Elijah  Peck ;  Wm.  Purdy  moderator,  and  Nathaniel 
Giddings  clerk.  Reported  14  baptisms  and  250  com- 
municants. "  The  church  at  Abington  requested 
brethren  present,  to  assist  in  the  ordination  of  Mr. 
John  Phillips  as  Deacon  of  said  church."  He  was  Or- 
el .lined  according  to  request  with  the  usual  appropriate 
services.  The  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Luke 
Davies,  who  was  present  as  a  messenger  from  Warwick 
Association,  the  only  body  thus  far  admitted  to  fraternal 
correspondence. 


FIRST    DECADE.  17 

The  Fourth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Palmyra,  Au- 
gust 28th  and  29th,  1811.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Samuel  Sturdevant ;  Elijah  Peek  moderator,  and  John 
Phillips  clerk.  Reported  23  baptisms  and  251  commu- 
nicants. An  unusual  number  of  ministers  were  present, 
as  messengers  from  other  Associations,  aiding  in  the  ser- 
vices and  adding  to  the  interest  of  the  occasion.  Most 
of  the  usual  business  was  transacted  on  the  first  day  of 
the  session,  affording  ample  opportunity  for  devotional 
exercises.  On  the  second  day,  sermons  were  preached 
by  Revs.  Benj.  Pierce  of  Madison,  Win.  Bishop  of  Phila- 
delphia, Lebbeus  Lathrop  and  John  Wintermote  of 
Warwick  Association;  thus  pleasantly  and  profitably 
improving  the  time  redeemed  by  dispatch  in  the  usual 
routine  of  business. 

The  Fifth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Pittston,  August 
26th  and  27th,  1812.  Introductory  sermon  by  ¥m. 
Bishop ;  Wm.  Purdy  moderator,  and  Nathaniel  Giddings 
clerk.  Reported  15  baptisms  and  256  communicants. 
Only  nine  delegates  were  present  from  the  churches, 
six  being  from  Abington,  and  three  from  Palmyra  Church, 
but  none  from  Mt.  Pleasant  Church.  Mr.  Phillips  was 
appointed  to  write  the  usual  letter  to  Warwick  Associa- 
tion, and  it  was  directed  that  in  future  the  corresponding 
letter  be  printed  with  the  minutes.  The  time  for  hold- 
ing the  annual  meeting  of  the  Association  was  also 
changed  from  August  to  the  first  Wednesday  in  Sep- 
tember. Cheering  sermons  by  Messrs.  Purdy  and 
Miller  appropriately  closed  the  services  of  the  session. 

The  Sixth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abington,  Sep- 
tember 1st  and  2d,  1813.  Introductory  sermon  by 
John    Miller;     William   Bishop    moderator,  and    John 


18  ANNALS    OF    THE    ASSOCIATION. 

Phillips  clerk.  Reported  3  baptisms  and  252  commu- 
nicants. Messrs.  Ira  Justin  and  Stephen  Bishop,  licen- 
tiates of  Abington  Church,  preached  before  the  Asso- 
ciation. One  Potter  and  five  Purdys  represented  Pal- 
myra Church.  No  delegates  were  present  from  Mt. 
Pleasant  Church  or  from  abroad.  The  session,  however, 
was  pleasant  and  harmonious,  but  no  business  was  trans- 
acted of  especial  interest  or  importance. 

The  Seventh  Anniversary  was  held  at  Palmyra,  Sep- 
tember 7th  and  8th,  1814.     Introductory  sermon  by 
Lebbeus  Lathrop  ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Ephraim 
Torrey  clerk.     Reported  21  baptisms  and  264  commu- 
nicants.    Rev.  Henry  Ball,  from  the  Warwick  Associa- 
tion, preached  a  sermon  by  invitation,  and  Mr.  Phillips 
was  appointed  Treasurer  of  the  Association.  The  churches 
were  also  requested  to  "  raise  money  by  contribution 
once  in  each  year,  to  defray  the  expenses  of  printing 
minutes,  and  of  our  messengers  to  other  Associations." 
This  is  the  first  mention  made  of  money  in  the  minutes. 
The  Eighth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Mt.  Pleasant, 
September   6th  and  7th,  1815.     Introductory  sermon 
by  Lebbeus  Lathrop ;  William  Bishop  moderator,  and 
Rufus  Grennell  clerk.     Reported  19  baptisms  and  277 
communicants.     Revs.  Levi  Holcomb  and  Orange  Spen- 
cer were  present  as  messengers  from  Franklin  Associa« 
tion,  and  a  correspondence  was  opened  with  that  body. 
Delegates  were  also  appointed  to  Warwick  and  Chemung 
Associations.      On  the  evening  of  the  first  day  of  the 
session,  "  meetings  were  held  at  several  places  in  the 
neighborhood." 

The  Ninth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abington,  Sep- 
tember  4th    and  5th,   1816,     Introductory  sermon  by 


FIRST    DECADE. 


19 


Jonathan  Ferris  ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Nathaniel 
Giddings  clerk.  Reported  13  baptisms  and  283  com- 
municants. The  Treasurer  made  his  first  report  as 
follows,  viz:  "  $22.36  received  and  $13.00  expended." 
The  following  extract  from  the  circular  letter  of  this 
session  will  be  read  with  a  mournful  pleasure :  "It 
seems  as  though  the  Lord  had  entered  into  a  controversy 
with  us  and  commissioned  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in 
darkness  and  wasteth  at  noon-day,  to  ravage  our  land 
and  remove  our  fellow-laborers.  Among  those  taken 
from  us,  is  our  beloved  brother  William  Bishop,  who 
had  long  and  faithfully  labored  in  the  Gospel  and  whose 
godly  zeal,  sage  counsel  and  exemplary  deportment 
will  long  be  remembered.  From  other  portions  of  the 
Lord's  vineyard  we  have  cheering  intelligence.  By  our 
brethren  from  the  northward  we  learn  that  the  Lord  is 
making  bare  his  arm  in  the  conviction  and  conversion  of 
sinners.  We  have  also  received  similar  information  from 
the  State  of  Rhode  Island.  With  great  satisfaction 
we  learn  that  strenuous  efforts  are  being  made  to  diffuse 
the  'glad  tidings'  among  the  benighted  of  Asia  and 
that  it  is  also  proposed  to  send  missionaries  among  the 
savages  of  our  Western  wilds." 

The  Tenth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Palmyra,  Sep- 
tember 3d  and  4th,  1817.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Levi  Hall ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  John  Phillips 
clerk.  Reported  20  baptisms  and  289  communicants. 
At  this  session  the  Bethany  Church  was  admitted  into 
the  Association.  Rev.  Lebbeus  Lathrop,  by  request, 
addressed  "the  congregation  on  the  subject  of  a  contri- 
bution for  domestic  use,"  followed  by  a  collection  for 
that  object.     This  was  the  first  collection  taken  in  the 


20  ANNALS    OF   THE    ASSOCIATION. 

Association.  It  was  also  "  recommended  that  contribu- 
tions be  made  by  the  several  churches  and  congrega- 
tions of  this  Association,  for  the  purpose  of  Domestic 
Missions." 

Thus  ways  were  devised  and  means  employed  to  se- 
cure "material  aid"  for  the  support  of  Domestic  Mis- 
sions and  supply  of  destitute  neighborhoods.  But  noth- 
ing had  yet  been  done,  as  is  presumed,  to  aid  the  cause 
of  Foreign  Missions.  A  missionary  spirit,  the  earnest 
of  missionary  enterprise,  was,  however,  early  manifest- 
ed by  the  ministers  and  members  of  the  various  churches 
composing  the  Association.  It  was  breathed  in  their 
devotions  and  preached  in  their  discourses.  It  was  also 
seen  in  their  efforts  to  bring  their  families  and  friends 
to  Christ  and  bear  the  messages  of  mercy  to  different 
and  distant  settlements.  The  same  spirit  was  apparent 
in  the  circular  and  corresponding  letters  of  the  Associ- 
ation. These  speak  of  the  guilt  incurred  by  "with- 
holding what  God  has  reserved  for  the  promotion  of  his 
cause  and  good  of  his  people,"  and  also  of  the  encour- 
agement given  "  to  preach  the  Gospel  in  the  name  of 
Jesus  to  the  ends  of  the  world;"  and,  again,  of. the 
consolation  derived  from  "hearing  of  the  prosperity  of 
Zion  and  progress  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom;"  and, 
finally,  of  the  hope  entertained  that  "  Zion  may  soon 
become  like  a  low  spreading  vine,  many  more  finding 
rest  under  her  shadow,  and  the  peaceful  reign  of  Em- 
manuel gladdening  every  heart  on  earth."  Such  were 
the  "Christian  salutations"  expressed  by  "the  minis- 
ters and  messengers  of  this  Association"  in  their  circu- 
lar letters  of  1810  and  '11,  and  corresponding  letters 
of  1812  and  '13,  and  "sent  greeting  to  the  churches 


FIRST    DECADE.  21 

they  represent"  and  to  the  "dear  brethren  of  the  War- 
wick Association." 

In  the  latter  portion  of  this  decade  the  cause  of  For- 
eign Missions  was  repeatedly  brought  to  the  notice  of 
the  Association,  and  its  claims  were  persistently  urged 
upon  the  attention  of  the  churches,  by  the  Correspond- 
ing Secretary  of  the  "Baptist  General  Convention," 
formed  at  Philadelphia  in  the  Spring  of  1814.  It  is 
interesting  to  observe  with  what  seeming  suspicion  and 
apparent  caution  the  subject  was  at  first  received  and 
entertained.  It  was,  however,  candidly  examined  and 
finally  cordially  endorsed.  At  the  annual  meeting  of 
the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of  1814,  "Bro.  Miller 
presented  a  letter  from  the  Missionary  Society  for  For- 
eign Missions,  which,  after  some  consultation,  was  post- 
poned for  further  consideration  at  the  next  meeting." 
The  subject  was  resumed  at  the  annual  meeting  in  1815, 
and  "  it  was  voted  that  brother  John  Miller  be  a 
standing  Secretary  to  correspond  with  the  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions,  and  that  he  be  directed  to  purchase 
at  least  six  copies  of  their  Annual  Report  for  the  use  of 
the  churches."  Again,  in  1816,  "  the  Secretary  was 
instructed  to  send  for  ten  copies  of  the  ensuing  Annual 
Report."  Finally,  in  1817,  "the  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary was  authorized  to  procure  thirteeyi  copies  of  the 
ensuing  Annual  Report  of  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign 
Missions,  for  the  use  of  the  Association."  Thus  the 
cause  of  Foreign  Missions  was  cautiously  approached, 
and  information  gradually  acquired,  until  its  character 
was  clearly  appreciated  and  its  claims  were  cordially 
approved.  In  this  manner  and  by  these  means  the  way 
was  prepared  for  intelligent  action,  persevering  effort 
and  enlarged  benevolence. 


22  ANNALS   OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

SECOND  DECADE,  1817—1827. 

At  the  commencement  of  this  decade  the  Association 
embraced  three  pastors  and  four  churches,  with  a  com- 
paratively small  and  scattered  membership.  The 
country  was  still  new  and  the  population  poor  and 
sparce.  Few  houses  of  worship  being  yet  erected,  meet- 
ings were  statedly  held  at  the  most  central  places  in 
different  neighborhoods,  usually  at  private  dwellings  or 
school  houses,  but  frequently  in  log  barns  or  even  in  the 
leafy  grove.  The  congregations,  though  usually  small, 
were  uniformly  earnest  and  attentive. 

The  Eleventh  Anniversary  was  held  at  Bethany, 
September  2d  and  3d,  1818.  Introductory  sermon  by 
John  Miller,  who  was  moderator,  and  Rufus  Grennell 
clerk.  Reported  84  baptisms  and  375  communicants. 
The  Clifford  and  Greenfield  Churches  were  admitted  into 
the  Association  ;  the  latter  church  being  destitute  of  a 
pastor,  various  brethren  in  the  ministry  were  appointed 
to  supply  it  at  stated  times  during  the  current  year. 
The  interest  of  the  occasion  was  greatly  increased  by  the 
presence  and  preaching  of  Revs.  Elisha  Tucker,  from 
the  Franklin,  and  Zelotes  Grenell,  a  licentiate,  from  the 
Warwick  Association.  The  rich  and  racy  discourse  of 
the  latter,  from  1st  Sam.  22  :  2 — a  characteristic  text — 
was  remarked  at  the  time  and  is  perhaps  still  remem- 
bered by  some  with  peculiar  interest.  During  the 
Associational  year  most  of  the  churches  had  enjoyed 
quite  extensive  revivals  and  received  numerous  acces- 
sions. Grateful  allusion  was  made  to  this,  in  the 
following  extract  from  the  corresponding  letter  of  that 
year.     "We  are  happy  to  say  that  the  present  session 


SECOND    DECADE.  23 

has  given  us  great  consolation.  During  the  past  year 
many  precious  souls  have  been  made  the  subjects  of 
Almighty  grace." 

The  Twelfth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Mt.  Pleasant, 
September  1st  and  2d,  1819.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Levi  Baldwin ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Ephraim 
Torrey  clerk.  Reported  38  baptisms  and  410  commu- 
nicants. Dea.  Jeffery  Dean  was  appointed  Treasurer  of 
the  Association  in  place  of  Dea.  John  Phillips  resigned. 
The  usual  number  of  messengers  from  corresponding 
bodies  were  present,  and  participated  in  the  duties  and 
deliberations  of  the  meeting.  Rev.  Jehiel  Wisner  was 
present  as  messenger  from  Ontario  Association,  and  a 
correspondence  was  opened  with  that  body.  "  The  ses- 
sion," to  quote  from  the  corresponding  letter,  "was 
pleasant  and  delightful.  Though  we  cannot  report 
large  accessions  to  our  churches,  yet  the  greatness  and 
goodness  of  God,  are  equally  manifest  in  bringing  a  few 
into  his  kingdom  and  leading  them  by  his  grace  to 
walk  in  his  commands." 

The  Thirteenth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Clifford, 
September  6th  and  7th,  1820.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Nathaniel  Otis  ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Nathaniel 
Giddings  clerk.  Reported  6  baptisms  and  377  commu- 
nicants. The  moderator  "  was  appointed  as  messenger 
to  Philadelphia  Association,  for  the  purpose  of  opening 
a  correspondence  with  that  body."  Also,  a  request 
presented  by  Rev.  Griffin  Lewis,  on  behalf  of  Susque- 
hanna Association,  to  open  a  fraternal  correspondence, 
was  entertained,  discussed  and  postponed.  The  subject, 
however,  was  resumed  at  the  following  anniversary,  and 
the  request  was  finally  refused  at  the  session  of  1822, 


24  ANNALS    OF    THE    ASSOCIATION. 

on  the  ground  of  unsoundness  in  doctrine.  On  the 
second  day  of  the  present  session,  the  Association  hav- 
ing resolved  itself  into  a  council,  proceeded  to  examine 
Mr.  Ira  Justin,  a  licentiate  of  Clifford  Church,  and 
ordain  him  as  an  Evangelist.  The  interest  of  the  occa- 
sion was  greatly  increased  by  the  ordination  services. 

The  Fourteenth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abington, 
September  5th  and  6th,  1821.  Introductory  sermon 
by  Nathan  Harned ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Na- 
thaniel Giddings  clerk.  Reported  61  baptisms  and  437 
communicants.  The  Association  met  for  the  first  time 
in  a  meeting  house,  the  second  erected  within  its  bounds. 
A  house  of  worship  had  previously  been  built  by  Dea. 
Thomas  Shields,  of  Philadelphia,  at  Damascus,  and  was 
now  occupied  by  the  Baptist  church  recently  organized 
in  that  place.  Mr.  Ira  Justin  was  appointed  to  preach 
at  Tunkhannock  on  the  first  Lord's  day  in  December, 
and  second  in  June  following. 

The  Fifteenth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Palmyra, 
September  4th  and  5th,  1822.  Introductory  sermon 
by  Zelotes  Grenell ;  Elijah  Peck  moderator,  and  Eph- 
raim  Torrey  clerk.  Reported  28  baptisms  and  494 
communicants.  At  this  session  the  Damascus  Church 
was  admitted  into  the  body,  and  a  correspondence  was 
opened  with  the  Northumberland  Association.  The 
churches  did  not  report  especial  prosperity,  but  they  had 
continued  steadfast  amidst  adverse  interests  and  influ- 
ences as  is  shown  by  the  following  extract  from  the 
corresponding  letter  of  that  year  :  "  Though  we  cannot 
rejoice  over  large  accessions,  yet  we  bless  the  Lord  that 
the  churches  remain  steadfast  and  contend  earnestly  for 
the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints.     This  we  con- 


SECOND    DECADE.  25 

sider  of  essential  importance  in  times  like  the  present 
when  men  will  not  endure  sound  doctrine  but  are  heap- 
ing to  themselves  teachers  after  their  own  desires. 
False  prophets  are  abroad,  who  by  fair  speeches 
deceive  the  hearts  of  the  simple  and  decoy  them  down 
the  dark  stream  of  '  damnable  heresies'  and  delusive 
hopes." 

The  Sixteenth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Bethany, 
September  3d  and  4th,  1823.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Henry  Ball ;  John  Smitzer  moderator,  and  Sheldon  Nor 
ton  clerk.  Reported  66  baptisms  and  564  communicants. 
An  unusual  number  of  delegates  from  the  churches, 
were  present,  increasing  the  effect  and  interest  of  the 
occasion.  The  monotony  of  previous  years,  was  some- 
what disturbed  by  the  introduction  of  unusual  subjects 
for  discussion.  The  baptismal  formula,  constitutional 
amendments,  ministerial  education,  and  the  morality  or 
immorality  of  dancing,  were  among  the  subjects  enter- 
tained and  opposed  or  approved.  The  last  subject, 
presented  by  the  Bethany  Church  in  the  form  of  a 
query,  was  freely  debated  and  finally  disposed  of  in  the 
following  manner  :  "  We  consider  that  dancing  is  highly 
improper  and  ought  not  to  be  practised  or  encouraged 
by  any  professing  Christianity."  The  following  query 
was  also  proposed  to  corresponding  bodies :  "As  the 
Greek  word  baptizo  means  to  immerse,  would  it  not  be 
preferable  in  the  administration  of  that  ordinance,  to 
say,   '  I  immerse  thee?'  " 

The  Seventeenth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Damascus, 

September   1st   and  2d,  1824.      Introductory    sermon 

by  John  Miller,  who  was  moderator,  and  M.  A.  Bidwell 

clerk.     Reported  26  baptisms  and  615  communicants. 

3 


26  ANNALS    OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

The  Eaton  and  Scott  Churches  were  admitted  into  the 
Association  at  this  session.  A  letter  was  also  "  received 
from  the  chairman  of  a  Committee  appointed  by  the 
Philadelphia  Association,  on  the  subject  of  forming  a 
State  Convention."  The  measure  was  approved  and 
delegates  were  appointed  to  aid  in  forming  the  proposed 
Convention.  The  recent  death  of  Rev.  Wm.  Purdy, 
one  of  the  pioneer  pastors  of  this  wild  region,  cast  a 
gloom  over  the  deliberations  of  the  meeting  and  filled 
many  hearts  with  sadness.  A  resolution  was  passed 
tendering  the  sympathies  of  the  Association  to  the 
Palmyra  Church,  of  which  the  deceased  had  been  the 
esteemed  pastor  since  its  organization,  a  period  of  nearly 
a  quarter  of  a  century. 

The  Eighteenth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abington, 
September  7th  and  8th,  1825.  Introductory  sermon 
by  John  Smitzer,  who  was  moderator,  and  Sheldon  Nor- 
ton clerk.  Reported  17  baptisms  and  612  communicants. 
A  full  delegation  were  present  from  the  churches  and 
from  abroad.  The  session  was  "  distinguished  by  har- 
mony in  its  counsels  and  an  amiable  spirit  and  uninter- 
rupted glow  of  brotherly  love. ' '  Mr.  Sheldon  Norton  was 
appointed  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Association 
in  place  of  Rev.  John  Miller,  resigned,  and  correspon- 
dence was  opened  with  the  Berkshire  Association. 
The  Committee  appointed  in  1823  to  revise  the  rules  of 
order  and  constitution  of  the  Association,  reported  at 
this  session,  a  constitution  and  rules  of  order  which 
were  taken  up  by  sections,  discussed,  amended  and 
adopted  by  the  Association.  Every  attempt  since  made 
to  essentially  modify  this  constitution,  has  thus  far 
signally  failed,  not  so  much  on  account  of  its   intrinsic 


SECOND    DECADE.  27 

excellence  as  from  the  character  of,  or  construction  given 
to  its  last  Article.  At  the  close  of  this  session  a  vote 
was  passed  for  the  first  time,  to  "  present  the  thanks 
of  the  Association  to  the  church  and  congregation,  for 
their  kindness  and  hospitality."  The  obligation  was 
formerly  considered  mutual. 

The  Nineteenth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Mt.  Plea- 
sant, September  6th  and  7th,  1826.  Introductory 
sermon  by  John  Miller,  who  was  moderator,  and  Shel- 
don Norton  clerk.  Reported  26  baptisms  and  628 
communicants.  The  Gibson  and  Jackson  Church  was 
admitted  into  the  Association  at  this  session,  and  appli- 
cation was  made  by  the  Bridgewater  Association  to 
open  a  fraternal  correspondence,  which  was  considered 
" -inexpedient  at  present,  though  we  heartily  rejoice  at 
their  separation  from  the  Susquehanna  Association. ' '  The 
application,  however,  was  cordially  granted  at  the  next 
session,  when  it  was  voted  "that  we  open  a  correspon- 
dence by  letter  and  messengers  with  that  body." 

The  Twentieth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Palmyra, 
September  5th  and  6th,  1827.  Introductory  sermon 
by  Daniel  Piatt ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Sheldon 
Norton  clerk.  Reported  26  baptisms  and  633  commu- 
nicants. Of  the  ten  churches  composing  the  Associa- 
tion, only  two  reported  settled  pastors;  most  of  the 
other  churches,  however,  enjoyed  occasional  preaching 
by  licensed  or  resident  ministers.  About  this  time  the 
churches  in  this  and  other  sections,  were  greatly  an- 
noyed and  frequently  deceived  by  numerous  impostors 
who  were  prowling  over  the  country  and  palming  them- 
selves off  on  the  community  as  regular  ministers  of  the 
Baptist  denomination.     The  destitution  of  these  feeble 


28  ANNALS    OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

churches,  and  seclusion  of  this  wild  region,  furnished 
an  inviting  field  and  ample  protection  for  these  "  wan- 
dering stars"  and  wicked  pretenders.  The  names  of  not 
less  than  eight  of  this  character,  were  published  in  the 
minutes  of  this  session  and  the  churches  warned  against 
their  pretensions  ;  and  in  order  to  guard  more  effec- 
tually against  their  impositions,  the  personal  peculiari- 
ties of  some  were  minutely  described,  and  "  the  breth- 
ren particularly  requested  not  to  invite  a  stranger  to 
minister  to  them  in  holy  things  unless  he  bear  with  him 
credentials  of  a  recent  date  and  the  most  unmistakable 
validity."  Such  were  the  pains  taken  and  precautions 
exercised  to  protect  the  churches,  in  their  infancy  and 
inexperience,  from  the  presence  and  preaching  of  men 
of  unsound  principles  and  unsafe  practices. 

During  this  decade  various  objects  of  Christian  be- 
nevolence received  a  measure  of  attention  and  encour- 
agement. Among  these  objects,  the  cause  of  Domestic 
Missions  occupied  a  prominent  position.  Small  sums 
were  contributed  by  some  of  the  churches  and  occasional 
collections  taken  at  the  annual  meetings  of  the  Associa- 
tion for  this  worthy  object.  At  the  session  of  1818  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Association  reported  some  six  dollars 
on  hand  for  Domestic  Missions,  and  a  visiting  brother 
was  "  requested  to  solicit  Rev.  Levi  Holcomb  to  come 
and  spend  two  weeks  as  our  missionary  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Association,  at  five  dollars  per  week." 
Also  at  the  session  of  1821,  a  discourse  was  preached 
on  the  claims  of  Domestic  Missions,  followed  by  a  col- 
lection of  some  ten  dollars  for  that  object,  and  a  larger 
committee  was  appointed  "  to  prepare  the  minds  of  the 
brethren  for  the  formation  of  a  Domestic  Missionary 


SECOND    DECADE.  29 

Society."  The  subject  was  kept  before  the  Association 
in  various  forms  until  the  session  of  1827,  when  "  the 
committee  on  Domestic  Missions,  made  a  report,  recom- 
mending the  formation  of  a  Domestic  Missionary  So- 
ciety," at  the  close  of  the  session,  distinct  from  the 
Association.  The  report  was  adopted  and  after  adjourn- 
ment, "  the  members  of  the  Association,  and  religious 
friends  generally,  met  and  united  in  forming  an  Evan- 
gelical Society  whose  principal  object  will  be  to  have 
the  Gospel  preached  to  the  poor  and  destitute  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Association  and  parts  adjacent."  Messrs. 
John  Miller  and  Horace  Jones  were  appointed  "  Agents 
of  this  Society,  to  obtain  subscriptions  and  invite  the 
attention  of  the  friends  of  truth  to  this  object." 

The  cause  of  Foreign  Missions  was  also  frequently 
entertained,  endorsed  and  encouraged  by  friendly  reso- 
lutions and  fair  promises.  At  the  session  of  1819,  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Luther  Rice,  Agent  of  the  Baptist  Gen- 
eral Convention,  being  presented,  a  vote  was  passed  by 
the  Association,  "expressing  their  entire  approbation  of 
the  measures  already  taken,  and  promising  to  use  every 
effort  that  their  infant  state  would  admit,  to  give  infor- 
mation and  further  the  views  of  the  Board."  Also  in 
1821,  "  a  letter  from  the  Board  of  the  Baptist  General 
Convention  was  read  with  deep  interest,  and  the  Asso- 
ciation sincerely  rejoice  in  the  diffusion  of  the  Gospel, 
and  feel  disposed  to  afford  every  aid  in  their  power  to 
promote  its  salutary  influence."  Again,  at  the  session 
of  1823,  the  Association  say  "  that  we  entertain  a  high 
sense  of  the  evangelical  exertions  of  the  Baptist  General 
Convention— the  Board  of  Managers — Agent  and  Mis- 
sionaries."    Finally,  at  the  anniversary  of  1824,  a  cir- 


30  ANNALS    OF   THE    ASSOCIATION. 

cular  from  the  Baptist  General  Convention  being  re- 
ceived and  read,  the  Association  "resolved  that  we 
cherish  an  affectionate  regard  for  that  body,  and  bid 
them  God-speed  in  their  labors  of  love."  Thus  the 
claims  of  Foreign  Missions  were  frequently  entertained 
and  endorsed,  yet  little  if  any  "  material  aid"  was  thus 
far  raised  or  rendered  to  that  deserving  object. 

The  cause  of  ministerial  education  was  also  introduced 
during  this  decade,  and  aided  by  frequent  collections. 
Although  most  of  the  ministers  in  the  Association  were 
self-educated,  yet  they  were  not  indifferent  to  the  grow- 
ing intelligence  of  the  people  and  increasing  demand  for 
a  learned  as  well  as  laborious  ministry  ;  nor  were  they 
unfavorable  to  raising  funds  and  rendering  facilities  for 
training  young  men  called  of  God  to  the  responsible 
work  of  the  Christian  ministry.  At  the  session  of  1823, 
it  was  "  resolved  that  in  future  a  collection  be  taken  at 
each  annual  meeting  of  the  Association,  for  the  benefit 
of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Hamilton,  N.  Y."  Also 
at  the  session  of  the  Association,  in  1824,  after  a 
discourse  by  Rev.  John  Sears,  an  address  was  delivered 
on  ministerial  education  by  Rev.  Howard  Malcom,  fol- 
lowed by  a  collection  of  ten  dollars  for  that  object. 
Again,  at  the  session  of  1825,  "  Rev.  John  Smitzer 
made  an  affectionate  and  feeling  address"  on  the  same 
subject,  and  a  collection  of  upwards  of  eight  dollars  was 
taken  for  the  same  object.  Finally,  at  the  session  of 
the  Association  in  1826,  Rev.  John  Smitzer  preached 
a  sermon  on  the  office  and  object  of  the  gospel  ministry, 
and  a  collection  of  some  five  dollars  was  taken  "in  aid 
of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Hamilton. ' '  Thus  prom- 
ises issued  in  performances,  and  small  amounts  were  an- 
nually furnished  in  aid  of  ministerial  education. 


THIRD    DECADE.  31 

THIRD  DECADE,  1827—1837. 

The  Association  entered  upon  this  decade  with  four 
ordained  ministers  and  ten  churches  scattered  over  an 
extensive  and  promising  field.  The  membership  were 
not  numerous  or  wealthy,  but  a  foundation  was  laid  for 
accelerated  growth  and  increasing  usefulness.  The 
church  at  Abington,  the  most  prosperous  in  the  body, 
had  already  erected  a  convenient  house  of  worship  and 
dismissed  members  to  unite  in  forming  four  indepen- 
dent churches.  The  forest  had  slowly 'retired  before  the 
hardy  pioneer  until  the  population  generally  were  be- 
ginning to  enjoy  most  of  the  comforts  and  many  of  the 
conveniences  of  civilized  life. 

The  Twenty-first  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abington, 
September  3d  and  4th,  1828.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Horace  Jones  ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Sheldon 
Norton  clerk.  Reported  97  baptisms  and  736  commu- 
nicants. At  this  session  the  Falls  Church  was  added 
to  the  body,  and  the  Gibson  and  Jackson  Church  was 
dismissed  to  unite  with  the  Bridgewater  Association. 
Three  of  the  churches  reported  settled  pastors  and  most 
of  the  others  stated  supplies,  being  chiefly  licensed  min- 
isters. To  aid  and  encourage  the  more  destitute 
churches,  quarterly  meetings  were  appointed  at  Beth- 
any in  October,  Clifford  in  January,  and  Scott  in  May 
following. 

The  Twenty-second  Anniversary  was  held  at  Canaan, 
September  3d  and  4th,  1829.  Introductory  sermon  by 
William  Frear  ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Charles  H. 
Hubbard  clerk.  Reported  36  baptisms  and  695  com- 
municants.     A   Committee  appointed  on  the  state  of 


32  ANNALS   OF  THE   ASSOCIATION. 

religion,  made  substantially  the  following  report,  which 
was  embraced  in  the  corresponding  letter  for  the  infor- 
mation of  other  Associations  :  "  Within  the  bounds  of 
this  Association,  many  appear  to  possess  a  spirit  of 
engagedness,  yet  others  seem  to  be  indifferent  even  in  a 
cause  so  glorious.  During  the  past  year  some  of  the 
churches  have  received  a  number  of  additions,  while 
others  destitute  of  regular  preaching,  have  remained 
cold  and  careless.  The  cry,  however,  is  often  heard, 
4  come  over  and  help  us.'  With  us  the  present  is  an 
important  time.  The  recent  opening  of  internal  navi- 
gation, has  invited  a  numerous  population  and  built  up 
a  number  of  flourishing  villages.  Now  is  the  time  to 
enter  and  occupy  these  inviting  fields."  During  the 
session  a  number  of  able  sermons  were  preached  by 
ministers  from  abroad,  to  comparatively  large,  solemn 
and  attentive  congregations. 

The  Twenty-third  Anniversary  was  held  at  Clifford, 
September  1st  and  2d,  1830.  Introductory  sermon  by 
John  Miller,  who  was  moderator,  and  Sheldon  Norton 
clerk.  Reported  96  baptisms  and  782  communicants. 
Most  of  the  churches  reported  settled  pastors,  and  a  few 
large  accessions.  This  is  gratefully  alluded  to  in  the 
following  extract  from  the  corresponding  letter:  "  In 
view  of  what  God  has  accomplished,  we  should  be  en- 
couraged to  more  vigorous  exertions.  He  has  prospered 
us  during  the  past  year  and  caused  our  hearts  to  greatly 
rejoice."  On  the  second  day  of  the  session,  Mr.  Charles 
Miller  was  ordained  as  pastor  of  the  Clifford  Church  by 
the  ministers  of  the  Association,  agreeable  to  the  re- 
quest of  that  church  of  which  he  was  a  constituent 
member  and  licensed  minister.     Rev.   Zelotes   Grenell 


THIRD    DECADE.  33 

preached  the  sermon  from  Ps.  126  :  6,  "  in  which,"  ac- 
cording to  the  minutes,  "the  office,  work,  and  encour- 
agement of  the  Gospel  minister,  were  particularly 
delineated." 

The  Twenty-fourth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Bethany, 
September  7th  and  8th,  1831.  Introductory  sermon  by 
William  House;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Charles 
H.  Hubbard  clerk.  Reported  77  baptisms  and  873 
communicants.  At  this  session  the  Lenox  and  Lebanon 
Churches  were  admitted  into  the  Association,  which  now 
embraced  twelve  churches  and  held  correspondence  with 
as  many  sister  Associations,  located  in  this  and  an  ad- 
joining State.  The  influence  of  this  fraternal  correspon- 
dence, was  of  essential  service  in  the  comparative  absence 
of  religious  papers  and  periodicals.  It  was  the  means 
of  attracting  a  number  of  ministers  from  various  places, 
to  the  annual  meetings  of  this  body,  whose  presence 
and  preaching  were  a  fruitful  source  of  interest  and 
instruction.  They  usually  "  came  in  the  fullness  of  the 
blessing  of  the  Gospel"  and  were  uniformly  happy  to 
"impart  some  spiritual  gift,"  or  encourage  some  Chris- 
tian grace.  The  minutes,  too,  of  these  corresponding 
bodies,  brought  "  Christian  salutations"  from  distant 
brethren,  and  frequently  contained  various  and  valuable 
suggestions.  At  this  meeting  the  Committee  on  these 
minutes,  reported  "  that  they  find  an  untiring  zeal 
manifested  by  our  brethren  for  the  spread  of  the  Gospel 
among  the  destitute,  and  would  also  recommend  the 
same  to  our  brethren  of  this  body." 

The  Twenty-fifth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Blakely, 
Sept.  5th  and  6th,  1832.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Daniel  Robinson ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Charles 


34  ANNALS   OF  THE   ASSOCIATION. 

H.  Hubbard  clerk.  Reported  36  baptisms  and  924 
communicants.  The  Canaan — now  Clinton — and  Nichol- 
son— now  Benton — churches  were  received  into  the 
Association  at  this  session,  and  the  painful  and  protracted 
difficulty  in  Mt.  Pleasant  Church,  was  reported  so  far 
adjusted  as  to  encourage  the  hope  of  future  peace  and 
prosperity  in  that  distracted  and  divided  body.  A  small 
collection  was  taken  to  aid  in  completing  the  house  of 
worship  in  which  the  Association  was  convened,  and  a 
commendable  sympathy  was  also  manifested  with  such 
churches  of  the  body  as  were  destitute  of  settled  pas- 
tors and  stated  preaching,  and  ministering  brethren 
were  requested  to  make  them  an  occasional  visit  and 
furnish  them  with  a  gratuitous  supply.  Various  reli- 
gious papers  and  periodicals  were  introduced  to  the 
notice  of  the  Association  and  recommended  to  the  pat- 
ronage of  the  churches,  as  a  medium  of  "  important  and 
useful  information." 

The  Twenty-sixth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Starrucca, 
September  4th  and  5th,  1833.  Introductory  sermon 
by  John  Miller  ;  Charles  H.  Hubbard  moderator  ;  John 
Miller  and  Sheldon  Norton  clerks.  Reported  152  bap- 
tisms and  1122  communicants.  At  this  session  the 
"Welsh  Baptist  Church  of  Carbondale  was  received  into 
the  Association,  which  now  embraced  fifteen  churches, 
with  twelve  ordained  and  four  licensed  ministers.  The 
churches  having  become  comparatively  numerous  and 
being  so  widely  scattered,  it  was  proposed  by  the  Abing- 
ton  Church  to  divide  the  Association.  This  proposition, 
after  being  reported  on  by  a  committee,  was  submitted 
to  the  decision  of  the  churches.  It  was  revived  at  the 
next  session,  discussed,  and  finally  postponed  to  the  fol- 


THIRD    DECADE.  35 

lowing  year,  when  the  Association  voted  "  that  it  is  in- 
expedient to  divide  at  present,"  since  which  this  ques- 
tion has  not  been  seriously  entertained. 

This  session  was  fully  attended  and  seems  to  have 
been  one  of  especial  interest,  from  the  hopeful  conver- 
sion of  many  of  the  impenitent  and  healthy  growth  of 
most  of  the  churches  during  the  current  year.  It  was, 
however,  a  season  of  peculiar  anxiety  from  the  sensible 
presence  of  the  leaven  of  Antinomianism  which  had  pene- 
trated and  pervaded  the  lifeless  membership  of  some  of  the 
churches.  Necessary  measures  were  initiated  to  cast 
out  this  leaven  and  encourage  a  missionary  spirit,  by 
diffusing  religious  intelligence  and  promoting  personal 
effort  in  the  cause  of  missions,  Bible  distribution,  Sab- 
bath Schools,  and  kindred  enterprises. 

The  Twenty-seventh  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abing- 
ton,  September  3d,  4th  and  5th,  1834.  Introductory 
sermon  by  Henry  Curtis  ;  John  Miller  moderator,  and 
Sheldon  Norton  clerk.  Reported  67  baptisms  and  1081 
communicants.  The  Herrick  Church  was  added  to  the 
Association  at  this  session,  and  Rufus  Grennell  was  re- 
quested to  continue  to  act  as  Treasurer.  A  number  of 
ministers  from  abroad  were  present,  adding  much  to  the 
interest  of  the  occasion,  by  their  fraternal  advice  and 
faithful  sermons.  Near  the  close  of  the  session  a  series 
of  resolutions  on  various  moral  and  missionary  subjects, 
were  offered  and  after  being  fully  discussed,  were  adopt- 
ed, urging  upon  the  members  of  the  different  churches 
the  duty  of  earnest  effort  and  enlarged  benevolence. 

The  Twenty-eighth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Damas- 
cus, September  2d,  3d  and  4th,  1835.  Introductory 
sermon   by    John   Miller,   who  was  moderator ;   Smith 


36  ANNALS    OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

Bixby  and  G.  V.  Walling  clerks.  Reported  19  bap- 
tisms and  1009  communicants.  At  this  session  the 
church  at  Paupack  Eddy  was  admitted  into  the  Associa- 
tion, increasing  the  number  of  its  churches  to  seventeen. 
The  usual  business  of  the  body  was  harmoniously 
transacted,  and  useful  sermons  were  preached  by  a  num- 
ber of  brethren  at  home  and  from  abroad.  The  session 
seems  to  have  been  one  of  anxious  solicitude  for  the 
peace  and  purity  of  the  churches.  The  recent  death  of 
Rev.  Elijah  Peck,  one  of  the  pioneer  pastors  of  the 
Association,  was  noticed  in  the  following  appropriate 
preamble  and  resolution  :  "  Whereas,  it  has  pleased 
an  all-wise  Providence  during  the  past  year  to  remove 
from  us  by  death,  our  beloved  Bro.  Elijah  Peck,  who 
has  long  been  a  member  of  this  Association ;  therefore 
resolved,  that  it  is  our  Christian  duty  to  patiently  sub- 
mit to  the  afflictive  stroke  which  has  severed  him  from 
his  family  and  friends,  and  closed  his  labors  in  the 
church  militant." 

The  Twenty-ninth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Clifford, 
September  7th  and  8th,  1836.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Henry  Curtis ;  John  Miller  moderator ;  Smith  Bixby 
and  Rufus  Grennell  clerks.  Reported  38  baptisms  and 
975  communicants.  At  this  session  some  three  minis- 
ters were  added  to  the  body,  and  a  fraternal  correspon- 
dence was  opened  with  the  Bradford  Association.  Rev. 
Henry  Curtis  was  appointed  Corresponding  Secretary 
of  the  Association,  and  notice  was  given  in  the  minutes 
of  the  several  quarterly  meetings  of  the  "  Baptist  Con- 
ference of  Ministers  and  Deacons,"  to  be  held  as  follows, 
viz.,  in  October,  at  Montrose;  in  January,  at  Bethany; 
and  in  July,  at  Middletown,  Susquehanna  County.   The 


THIRD    DECADE.  37 

one  in  April  was  "  dispensed  with  on  account  of  the 
general  meeting  to  be  held  in  Philadelphia  about  the 
same  time." 

The  following  resolutions  will  indicate  the  prompt 
approval  by  the  Association  of  the  proposed  organiza- 
tion of  the  Pennsylvania  Baptist  Convention,  and  pro- 
visional formation  of  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society.  "  Resolved,  that  we  cordially  approve  the 
resolution  adopted  by  the  Baptist  Missionary  Associa- 
tion of  Pennsylvania,  respecting  the  organization  of  a 
State  Convention."  "  Whereas,  the  American  Bible 
Society,  by  its  decision  in  February  last,  has  virtually 
excluded  us  from  all  participation  in  its  funds  so  far  as 
foreign  distribution  is  concerned,  unless  we  conceal  a 
part  of  the  counsel  of  God,  relative  to  the  ordinance  of 
baptism,  and  whereas  the  providence  of  God  has  opened 
a  great  and  effectual  door  whereby  it  becomes  the  duty 
and  privilege  of  the  Baptist  denomination  to  supply 
more  than  one-half  of  the  population  of  the  globe  ; 
therefore  resolved,  that  we  form  a  Bible  Society  auxil- 
iary to  the  American  arid  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and 
earnestly  recommend  to  all  our  brethren  to  give  imme- 
diate and  efficient  aid  to  its  funds."  Accordingly  the 
"  Abington  Baptist  Association  Bible  Society,  auxili- 
ary to  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,"  was 
formed,  having  for  its  "  sole  object  the  promotion  of 
the  wider  circulation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  faithfully 
translated."  This  Society  was  sustained  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Association  until  the  Autumn  of  1841, 
when  it  was  formally  disbanded,  leaving  "the  funds  for 
this  object  to  be  raised  in  the  same  manner  as  those  for 
other  benevolent  societies." 
4 


38  ANNALS    OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

The  Thirtieth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Bethany, 
September  6th  and  7th,  1837.  Introductory  sermon  by 
John  Miller,  who  was  moderator ;  Rufus  Grennell  and 
James  Mumford  clerks.  Reported  28  baptisms  and 
981  communicants. 

This  session  was  scarcely  distinguished  from  prece- 
ding ones  in  its  business  transactions  and  devotional 
exercises.  It  was,  however,  characterized  as  pre-emi- 
nently "  pleasant  and  interesting,"  yet  the  general  joy 
was  somewhat  chastened  by  the  recollection  of  the 
recent  deaths  of  two  esteemed  ministers.  The  subdued 
grief  and  Christian  sympathy  of  the  Association  were 
expressed  in  the  following  recommendation,  viz.,  "  We 
recommend  affectionate  condolence  with  our  sister 
church  at  Damascus,  in  the  severe  loss  which  they  have 
sustained  in  the  death  of  their  devoted  pastor,  Eld. 
Smith  Bixby,  and  also  in  the  death  of  Eld.  Enoch 
Owen ;  and  that  the  churches  in  this  body  be  requested 
to  present  their  earnest  prayer  to  the  Great  Disposer  of 
events,  still  to  supply  not  only  Damascus,  but  all  our 
destitute  churches  with  pastors,  after  His  own  heart." 
The  experience  of  the  current  year  is  perhaps  fairly  re- 
presented in  the  following  extract  from  the  correspond- 
ing letter  prepared  by  Rev.  Levi  Baldwin,  viz.,  "Many 
of  the  churches  of  this  body  are  destitute  of  pastors. 
The  past  year  has  not  been  marked  by  the  outpouring 
of  the  Spirit  of  God  ;  still  some  drops  of  mercy  have 
fallen  notwithstanding  our  unworthiness,  and  the  hearts 
of  many  of  the  saints  have  at  times  been  sweetly  re- 
freshed." 

This  decade  was  distinguished  by  frequent  struggles, 
resulting  at  least  in  the   partial  triumphs  of  various 


THIRD    DECADE.  39 

reformatory  measures  and  movements.     It  was  marked 
by  peculiar  zeal  in  the  temperance  reform.     Until  this 
period  most  of  the  churches  occupied  exceedingly  low 
ground  on  the  temperance  question.     Moderate  drink- 
ing was  patiently  tolerated,  while  manifest  drunkenness 
was  promptly  disciplined.     It  was,  however,  found  that 
tippling  uniformly  tended  to  excess,  and  that  to  escape 
the  one,  the  other  must  be  abandoned.     This  subject, 
agitated  for  a  time  in  the  churches,  was  finally  intro- 
duced into  the  Association  for  friendly  discussion  and 
fraternal  advice.     At  the  session  of  1829,  the  following 
resolution    in  substance    was    discussed    and    adopted: 
"  That  we  consider  the  time  to  have  arrived  when  every 
Christian  can  most  essentially  subserve  the   cause   of 
humanity  by  making  every  consistent  effort  for  the  pro- 
motion of  temperance,  and  that  it  be  recommended  to  all 
the  members  of  the  different  churches  of  this  body,  to 
exert  all  their  influence  to  abolish  the  custom  of  using 
ardent  spirits,  except  for  medical  purposes."     Also,  at 
the  session  of  1833,  the  following  resolution  was  unani- 
mously adopted:    "That  we  continue  to  urge  upon  all 
the  members  of  the  churches  of  this  Association  the  in- 
creasing importance  of  abstaining  from  the  sale  and  use 
of   ardent   spirits  as   a  drink,   and  we  hope   that   our 
friends  will  be  everywhere  active  and  useful  in  promo- 
ting the  cause  of  temperance  reform."    At  the  session  of 
1834,  this  resolution  slightly  modified  was  again  adopted. 
At  the  session  of  1835,  '36,  and  '37,  the  following  ra- 
tional opinion  was  expressed  and  published  in  the  min- 
utes :  "  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Association,  the  prac- 
tice of  making,  vending    or  using  ardent  spirits  as  a 
drink,  is  morally  wrong  and  ought  to  be  perseveringly 
discountenanced  by  every  Christian." 


40  ANNALS    OF   THE    ASSOCIATION. 

This  decade  was  also  marred  by  doctrinal  discussions. 
At  an  early  period  the  leaven  of  Antinomianism,  had 
been  gradually  infused  into  some  of  the  churches, 
silently  working  and  diffusing  itself  until  some  two 
ministers  and  numerous  members  were  brought  under 
its  blighting  sway.  This  sentiment  had  remained  con- 
cealed behind  the  "  doctrines  of  grace,"  until  it  was 
drawn  from  its  ambush  in  its  zeal  to  oppose  various  be- 
nevolent efforts  and  organizations.  A  number  of 
churches  had  suffered  greatly  from  its  chilling  influence  ; 
it  was  also  the  means  of  dividing  some  and  distracting 
others.  In  1834,  upwards  of  40  members  who  had  em- 
braced this  sentiment,  left  the  Greenfield,  and  in  1836, 
some  50  withdrew  from  the  Abington  Church.  It  came 
near  rending  the  Clifford  and  ruining  the  Palmyra 
Church. 

This  sentiment,  however,  met  with  little  favor  in  the 
Association  as  a  body.  At  its  session  of  1833,  the  fol- 
lowing resolution  was  adopted :  "  That  we  utterly  dis- 
claim any  responsibility  for  the  opposition  which  has 
been  manifested  by  those  who  profess  to  be  Baptists,  in 
periodical  publications  or  otherwise,  to  the  cause  of 
missions — to  the  publication  and  distribution  of  the 
Bible — to  the  Bible  instruction  of  the  young  in  Sabbath 
Schools,  and  to  other  benevolent  efforts  and  Christian 
charities."  In  1835,  the  Association  entreated  the 
brethren  not  to  encourage  the  circulation  of  the  "  Sign3 
of  the  Times,"  on  account  of  its  anti-mission  teachings 
and  tendencies,  and  also  resolved  to  discontinue  the 
customary  correspondence  with  the  Chemung  and  War- 
wick Associations  for  similar  reasons.  At  the  same 
session   the   following   preamble    and   resolution    were 


THIRD    DECADE.  41 

adopted  :  "  Whereas,  some  of  our  brethren  belonging 
to  several  churches  within  the  Association,  appear  to 
entertain  conscientious  doubts  of  the  propriety  of  the 
course  which  the  Association  is  taking  to  promote  the 
spread  of  the  Gospel  among  the  destitute  according  as 
the  Lord  hath  prospered  us ;  therefore  resolved,  that 
the  Association  do  hereby  assure  them  of  our  affection- 
ate regard ;  of  our  steadfast  adherence  to  the  princi- 
ples of  the  doctrines  of  Christ  as  set  forth  in  our  con- 
fession of  faith,  and  of  our  sincere  desire  that  they  may 
come  up  with  us  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the 
mighty;  and  we  entreat  them  to  solemnly  inquire 
whether  the  opposition  and  bitterness  manifested  by 
some  against  missionary  operations,  do  not  arise  chiefly 
from  covetousness  or  a  want  of  ardent  piety,  and  cor- 
rect views  of  moral  and  religious  obligation."  This 
was  followed  in  1836,  by  the  publication  of  a  pamphlet 
written  by  Rev.  Henry  Curtis,  and  entitled  "  The  Truth 
as  it  IS,"  in  which  the  previous  course  of  the  Associa- 
tion on  the  subject  of  missions,  is  faithfully  reviewed 
and  ably  vindicated  from  the  charge  of  anti-mission  ten- 
dencies. This  anxiety  and  agitation  of  doctrinal  ques- 
tions and  religious  obligations,  was  followed  by  a  clearer 
sense  of  personal  responsibility  and  more  vigorous 
measures  for  the  promotion  of  the  various  objects  of 
Christian  benevolence.  The  cause  of  Foreign  Missions, 
Home  Evangelization,  Ministerial  Education,  Bible  Dis- 
tribution and  Sabbath  School  Instruction,  enlisted  the 
sympathies  and  developed  the  resources  of  the  Associa- 
tion. 


42  ANNALS    OF   THE    ASSOCIATION. 

FOURTH  DECADE,  1837—1847. 

At  the  opening  of  this  decade  the  Association  em- 
braced seventeen  churches  and  seven  ordained  and  four 
licensed  ministers,  and  upwards  of  a  thousand  commu- 
nicants. The  Abington  Church  numbered  nearly  three 
hundred,  and  the  Bethany  not  far  from  a  hundred 
and  fifty  members.  Each  of  the  remaining  churches, 
reported  less  than  a  hundred,  ten  of  which  fell  below 
fifty  communicants.  From  these  statistics,  it  will  be  seen 
that  the  laborers  were  unequal  to  the  harvest ;  some  of 
the  churches  were  favored  with  settled  pastors,  while 
others  enjoyed  but  an  occasional  supply.  In  some 
cases  one  minister  preached  for  two  or  more  churches. 
It  will  also  be  noticed  that  Rev.  Henry  Curtis  acted  as 
moderator  of  the  Association  during  this  entire  decade. 

The  Thirty-first  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abington, 
September  5th  and  6th,  1838.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Henry  Curtis,  who  was  moderator  ;  James  Mumford 
and  Rufus  Grennell  clerks.  Reported  123  baptisms 
and  1080  communicants. 

The  business  of  this  session  was  harmoniously  trans- 
acted, and  a  series  of  resolutions  were  adopted,  recom- 
mending various  moral  reforms  and  missionary  organi- 
zations, to  the  confidence  and  support  of  the  churches. 
Among  these  was  the  following  resolution  copied  from 
the  minutes  of  the  previous  year  :  "  That  we  recommend 
to  the  churches  in  this  Association  to  take  into  prayer- 
ful consideration  the  subject  of  slavery  and  its  effects  on 
the  church  and  the  world,  that  they  may  learn  their 
duty  on  this  important  subject."  The  following  extract 
from  the  corresponding  letter  of  this  year  will  indicate 


FOURTH     DECADE.  48 

the  general  prosperity  of  the  Association  during  that 
period :  "  We  still  have  some  reason  to  rejoice  that 
God  has  visited  some  of  our  churches  during  the  past 
with  year  a  blessed  revival  of  his  work.  Sinners  have 
been  made  to  weep  for  their  sins  ;  saints  have  rejoiced 
in  holy  solemnity  while  precious  souls  have  been  born 
into  the  Kingdom,  and  we  believe  that  the  seal  of 
God's  eternal  and  electing  love  has  made  its  impres- 
sion on  many  hearts." 

The  Thirty-second  Anniversary  was  held  at  Damas- 
cus, September  4th  and  5th,  1839.  Introductory  ser- 
mon by  John  Miller  ;  Henry  Curtis  moderator  ;  Isaac 
P.  Olmstead  and  Rufus  Grennell  clerks.  Reported 
129  baptisms  and  1195  communicants. 

This  session  was  scarcely  distinguished  from  that  of 
the  previous  year,  the  same  series  of  resolutions  being 
adopted,  excepting  that  on  slavery.  In  place  of  the 
usual  Circular  Letter,  the  Constitution  of  the  Associa- 
tion, Rules  of  Order  and  Articles  of  Faith,  were  pub- 
lished in  the  minutes  of  this  year.  The  following  ex- 
tract from  the  corresponding  letter  of  this  session  will 
sufficiently  indicate  the  general  prosperity  of  the 
churches:  "  The  letters  sent  from  the  several  branches 
of  our  Zion,  present  a  scene  of  varied  character,  but  of 
solemn  and  gratifying  interest.  Some  of  the  churches 
are  rejoicing  in  abundant  harvests  and  in  the  smiles  of 
uncommon  prosperity  ;  others  are  thirsting  for  like  visi- 
tations, yet  none  we  trust  are  wholly  destitute  of  the 
precious  fruits  of '  righteousness  and  peace  and  joy  in  the 
Holy  Ghost.'  The  general  aspect  of  the  cause  of 
Christ  in  this  region  is  cheering,  and  we  are  in  duty 
bound  to  thank  God  and  take  courage.     The  wants  and 


44  ANNALS    OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

woes  of  a  world  lying  in  wickedness,  cease  not  to  at- 
tract our  attention,  nor  does  the  sight  of  our  eyes  fail 
to  affect  our  hearts.  Indeed,  the  crisis  is  such  in  the 
providence  of  God,  as  to  imperatively  demand  the 
prayerful  and  persevering  efforts  of  all  his  people." 

The  Thirty-third  Anniversary  was  held  at  Clifford, 
September  2d  and  3d,  1840.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Henry  Curtis,  who  was  moderator ;  D.  F.  Leach  and 
John  Miller  clerks.  Reported  188  baptisms  and  1897 
communicants. 

At  this  session  the  Ten  Mile  River  Church  was  re- 
ceived into  the  Association.  An  unusually  large  num- 
ber of  ministers  were  present  from  corresponding  bodies, 
who  took  an  interesting  part  in  the  public  exercises. 
Besides  the  usual  resolutions,  the  following  was  adopted  : 
"  Whereas,  in  our  opinion  the  ordinary  mode  of  Inde- 
pendence Celebrations  in  many  instances  endangers 
life ;  is  destructive  of  good  morals,  and  lays  strong 
temptations  to  evil  in  the  way  of  the  rising  generation ; 
therefore,  resolved,  that  we  recommend  that  Christians 
especially  encourage,  by  their  example  and  influence, 
the  observance  of  the  4th  of  July  in  the  promotion  of 
benevolent  objects,  such  as  the  Sabbath  School  or  tem- 
perance cause,  or  that  the  time  be  spent  in  the  worship 
of  God."  The  current  year  seems  to  have  been  one  of 
much  encouragement.  "The past  season,"  as  the  record 
runs,  "  has  been  one  of  uncommon  prosperity.  i  The 
Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are 
glad.'  " 

The  Thirty-fourth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Bethany, 
September  1st  and  2d,  1841.  Introductory  sermon  by 
John  Miller ;  Henry  Curtis  moderator ;  D.  F.  Leach 


FOURTH     DECADE.  45 

and  Lora  W.   Stone   clerks.     Reported  112  baptisms 
and  1468  communicants. 

At  this  session  the  Eaton  Church  was  dismissed  to 
unite  with  the  Bridgewater  Association.  "  An  inter- 
esting letter"  was  received  from  the  Philadelphia  Asso- 
ciation, and  a  vote  was  passed  to  respond  to  the  same, 
"  as  near  as  may  be,  in  the  spirit  of  that  communication," 
and  the  Secretary  was  also  instructed  "  to  correspond 
with  sister  Associations  by  writing  to  them  individually." 
The  custom,  however,  of  printing  a  corresponding  letter 
in  the  minutes,  was  not  discontinued ;  the  letter  of 
this  session  furnishes  the  following  as  to  the  state  of 
religion  in  the  churches  :  "  Our  meeting  has  been  one 
of  lively  interest,  but  has  discovered  to  us  that  we  have 
no  time  to  sleep,  for  the  enemy  of  all  righteousness  has 
seemed  to  take  advantage  of  the  peculiarly  trying  times 
which  we  have  experienced  in  worldly  affairs  during 
the  past  year ;  and  while  we  have  been  busy  here  and 
there,  he  has  industriously  and,  alas  !  too  effectually 
sown  the  seeds  of  apathy  and  spiritual  sloth  among  the 
churches.  Some,  however,  have  come  up  with  sheaves 
of  rejoicing  and  have  made  our  hearts  glad  with  the 
recital  of  what  God  has  done  in  their  midst."  The 
collections  at  this  meeting  were  unusually  liberal ;  that 
for  Foreign  Missions  amounting  to  $25,  and  for  Domes- 
tic Missions,  being  $37.66  ;  this  latter  was  ordered  to 
be  divided  between  the  New  York  and  Pennsylvania 
Baptist  Conventions.  It  was  also  voted  "  that  we 
highly  approve  of  the  labors  of  the  missionaries  of  these 
societies  in  this  Association,  and  that  our  Correspon- 
ding Secretary  be  authorized  to  request  their  re-ap- 
pointment." 


46  ANNALS    OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

The'JThirty-fifth  Anniversary  was  held  at  West  Alding- 
ton, September  7th  and  8th,  1842.  Introductory  ser- 
mon by  Henry  Curtis,  who  was  moderator ;  Virgil 
Grennell  and  E.  K.  Norton  clerks.  Reported  162 
baptisms  and  1512  communicants. 

The  Honesdale  and  Second  Clifford  Churches  were 
admitted  at  this  session.  An  unusual  number  of  minis- 
ters from  abroad  were  present.  The  following  repre- 
sented the  Bridgewater  Association,  viz.,  Revs.  Davis 
Dimock,  Jesse  B.  Worden,  Albert  L.  Post,  William  K. 
Mott,  Davis  D.  Gray  and  Jonathan  Melvin.  The  last 
named  was  a  grand-son  of  the  eccentric  John  Leland. 
Rev  William  Shadrach  represented  the  Pennsylvania 
Baptist  Convention,  and  presented  his  "Penny  Plan," 
which  was  endorsed  by  the  Association  and  recommend- 
ed to  the  churches,  but  it  seems  to  have  early  proved  a 
failure  in  practice  as  every  such  plan  must  of  necessity. 
The  corresponding  letter  of  this  year  contains  the 
following  cheerful  account  of  the  meeting  and  the  state 
of  the  cause  :  "  Our  present  session  has  been  delight- 
fully harmonious  and  of  unusual  interest.  It  has  been 
a  feast  of  fat  things.  The  missionary  spirit,  we  hope, 
has  received  a  new  impulse,  and  for  the  year  to  come, 
notwithstanding  the  pressure  of  the  times,  we  hope  to 
do  more  in  advancing  the  Kingdom  of  Christ  and  for  the 
circulation  of  the  Word  of  life  among  the  destitute  than 
we  have  done  heretofore.  The  year  past  has  been  dis- 
tinguished by  very  special  manifestations  of  Divine  favor 
to  some  of  the  churches  connected  with  us,  and  from 
what  we  learn  of  the  spiritual  condition  of  others,  as 
presented  in  their  annual  epistles,  we  feel  to  thank  God 
and  take  courage." 


FOURTH     DECADE.  47 

The  Thirty-sixth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Damascus, 
September  6th  and  7th,  1843.  Introductory  sermon 
by  D.  F.  Leach  ;  Henry  Curtis  moderator ;  E.  K.  Nor- 
ton and  L.  L.  Demming  clerks.  Reported  102  baptisms 
and  1613  communicants. 

At  this  meeting  the  Blakely  Church  was  received 
into  the  body,  and  a  correspondence  opened  with  the 
Wyoming  Association,  recently  set  off  from  the  Bridge- 
water.  Until  this  time  the  pastors  of  the  churches 
had  usually  been  designated  as  "Elders,"  but  the 
clerks  of  this  year,  took  the  liberty  of  publishing  them 
as  "Bishops."  At  the  next  Anniversary  of  the  Asso- 
ciation the  following  resolution  was  offered  and  ordered 
to  lie  over  until  the  next  session :  "  Resolved,  that  in 
printing  the  statistics  of  our  Association,  the  pastors  of 
the  churches  be  designated  as  Bishops,  that  being  their 
scriptural  appellation."  This  harmless  innovation,  how- 
ever, seems  to  have  failed  to  receive  the  sanction  of  the 
Association  and  soon  disappears  from  the  minutes.  It 
may  be  well  to  observe  that  either  term  is  scriptural  and 
appropriate  as  applied  to  the  pastor  of  a  church  or  min- 
ister of  the  Gospel.  These  terms  are  employed  inter- 
changably  in  the  following  passages:  Acts  20:  17,  28. 
Titus  1 :  5,  7,  and  1  Peter  5 :  1,  2.  As  much  cannot 
be  said  of  the  term  Reverend,  now  in  common  use,  since 
it  occurs  but  once  in  the  sacred  Scriptures  and  then  is 
applied  to  the  Supreme  Being.  "  Holy  and  Reverend 
is  His*  name."  Ps.  Ill:  9.  Many  have  doubted  the 
propriety  of  applying  this  title  to  a  mere  creature.  Its 
use,  however,  has  become  quite  general  and  may  be 
admissable  when  it  is  employed  merely  as  a  convenient 
ministerial  designation.    The  Christian  law  is,  "Esteem 


48  ANNALS    OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

them  very  highly  in  love,  for  their  works'  sake."  This 
title  may  merely  express  that  esteem ;  if  it  does  more, 
it  is  certainly  inappropriate. 

The  Thirty-seventh  Anniversary  was  held  at  Clifford, 
September  4th  and  5th,  1844.  Introductory  sermon 
by  Henry  Curtis,  who  was  moderator  ;  E.  K.  Norton 
and  Austin  Davenport  clerks. 

The  Welsh  Baptist  Church,  of  Carbondale,  having 
united  with  Oneida  Welsh  Association,  was  dropped  at 
this  session,  and  a  correspondence  was  opened  with  that 
and  the  Tioga  Association.  The  interest  of  this  meet- 
ing was  greatly  increased  by  the  presence  and  preaching 
of  Rev.  Archibald  Maclay,  of  New  York,  Agent  of  the 
American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  A  collection  of 
upwards  of  thirty  dollars  was  taken  in  aid  of  this  So- 
ciety, and  the  following  resolution  passed  :  "  Resolved, 
that  the  Association  entertain  grateful  feelings  for  the 
attendance  at  our  session,  of  our  venerable  father  in 
the  Bible  cause,  Rev.  Archibald  Maclay,  D.  D.,  and  we 
earnestly  and  affectionately  urge  the  American  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society  to  send  an  annual  delegation  to 
our  Association."  The  Bible  Society  of  North-Eastern 
Pennsylvania,  organized  at  the  house  of  Alvinzy  Gard- 
ener, in  Abington,  December  22,  1843,  changed  its 
name  and  constitution  at  this  session,  and  was  henceforth 
known  as  "the  Lackawanna  and  Lackawaxen  Bible  So- 
ciety," auxiliary  to  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society,  having  for  "  its  object  to  raise  funds  for  sup- 
plying the  destitute  in  our  own  neighborhood,  with  the 
Word  of  God  and  to  aid  the  Parent  Society  in  its  ef- 
orts  to  circulate  the  Bible  throughout  the  world."   This 


FOURTH    DECADE.  49 

Society    has  been    among    the    most    permanent    and 
prosperous  auxiliaries  of  the  Parent  Society. 

The  Thirty-eighth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Hones- 
dale,  September  3d  and  4th,  1845.  Introductory  ser- 
mon by  John  Miller  ;  Henry  Curtis  moderator  ;  E.  K. 
Norton  and  Austin  Davenport  clerks.  Reported  25 
baptisms  and  1521  communicants. 

On  account  of  the  languishing  condition  of  religion 
in  the  churches,  the  Association  passed  the  following 
resolution  :  "In  view  of  the  lack  of  spiritual  zeal  in 
the  churches  of  this  Association,  we  devote  one  hour 
to-morrow  morning  to  devotional  exercises."  The 
morning  came  and  the  hour  was  occupied  in  devotional 
exercises.  Fervent  prayer  was  offered  by  brethren  M. 
M.  Everets,  Rial  Tower,  Nathan  Hand,  James  P.  Stal- 
bird  and  John  Baldwin.  The  Association  subsequently 
resolved,  "  That  we  recommend  to  the  churches  of  this 
Association,  to  hold  a  meeting  of  fasting,  humiliation 
and  prayer,  on  the  first  Thursday  in  November  next, 
for  the  purpose  of  calling  upon  God,  that  he  may  for- 
give the  sins  of  his  people,  and  revive  his  work  in  the 
hearts  of  all  that  profess  to  love  his  name,  and  implore 
his  mercy  in  behalf  of  sinners."  Near  the  close  of  the 
session,  "  a  committee  of  six  was  appointed  to  propose 
such  amendments  to  the  present  constitution  of  this 
Association  as  they  may  think  necessary,  to  be  pub- 
lished, together  with  said  constitution,  in  the  minutes  of 
the  current  year  ;  and  that  the  churches  belonging  to  this 
body  be  and  hereby  are  requested  to  instruct  their  dele- 
gates or  say  in  their  letters  to  the  next  session  of  this 
Association,  whether  they  are  in  favor  or  against  such 
amendments."       The    above    committee    consisting    of 


50  ANNALS   OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

brethren  Virgil  Grennell,  Henry  Curtis,  Rufus  Gren- 
nell,  Davis  D.  Gray,  Austin  Davenport  and  E.  K. 
Norton,  prepared  an  amended  constitution  which  was 
published  in  the  minutes  of  this  year,  together  with  the 
constitution  in  force,  but  it  did  not  receive  the  sanction 
of  two-thirds  of  the  churches,  and  consequently  was 
not  adopted. 

The  Thirty-ninth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abington, 
September  2d  and  3d,  1846.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Alexander  Smith  ;  Henry  Curtis  moderator ;  Silas  Finn 
and  Lora  W.  Stone  clerks.  Reported  17  baptisms  and 
1517  communicants. 

The  business  of  this  session  embraced  few  subjects 
out  of  the  usual  routine.  A  correspondence  was  opened 
with  the  Clarion  Association,  and  the  Mt.  Pleasant  and 
Lebanon  Churches  having  united,  their  names  stand  to- 
gether in  the  minutes,  each  church  still  having  its  own 
clerk.  The  following  confession  and  apology  is  em- 
braced in  the  corresponding  letter  of  this  year:  "In 
connection  with  our  sister  Associations,  we  have  to 
mourn  over  our  apathy  and  want  of  Christian  energy. 
We  have  reason  for  deep  humiliation  before  God,  in 
view  of  our  coldness  and  want  of  primitive  zeal  in  our 
Master's  cause  ;  the  result  of  which  has  been,  that  few 
have  been  added  to  our  number  by  baptism.  It  may 
be  proper  to  say  that  we  still  hold  the  doctrines  common 
to  our  denomination.  We  feel  an  interest  in  the  Mis- 
sion and  Bible  cause,  and  others  of  a  kindred  nature. 
We  welcome  your  delegates  now  present  and  hope  we 
may  together  '  contend  earnestly  for  the  faith  once 
delivered  to  the  saints,'  and  be  found  humbling  ourselves 
under  the  mighty  hand  of  God,  that  Zion  may  shine 
forth  in  all  her  pristine  glory." 


FOURTH    DECADE.  51 

The  Fortieth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Clinton,  Sep- 
tember 1st  and  2d,  1847.  Introductory  sermon  by  M. 
M.  Everets ;  Henry  Curtis  moderator ;  E.  K.  Norton 
and  Virgil  Grennell  clerks.  Reported  93  baptisms 
and  1433  communicants. 

The  Callicoon  Church  was  added  to  the  body  at  this 
session,  and  the  Abington  Church  reported  that  they 
had  revised  their  records  and  thus  "  account  for  the 
discrepancy  between  their  returns  of  this  and  the  pre- 
vious year."  It  would  seem  that  the  revision  had 
resulted  in  eliminating  some  76  nominal  members.  This 
fact  will  also  account,  in  part,  for  the  apparent  diminu- 
tion in  the  numerical  strength  of  the  Association.  The 
"  Christian  Chronicle"  a  denominational  paper  estab- 
lished at  Philadelphia,  in  the  Autumn  of  1845,  was 
endorsed  in  the  following  sensible  resolution  :  "  That 
we  regard  the  Christian  Chronicle  among  the  first  class 
of  religious  papers,  as  a  channel  of  valuable  information, 
and  would  recommend  that  every  member  of  our  churches 
take,  pay  for  and  read  it."  Rev.  Eugenio  Kincaid,  re- 
turned Missionary,  was  present  at  this  session,  and  by 
his  graphic  delineations  of  missionary  life  and  labor, 
added  much  to  the  interest  of  the  occasion.  He  de- 
livered an  address  on  the  subject  of  Foreign  Missions, 
and  preached  in  behalf  of  the  American  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society.  He  also  seems  to  have  represented  the 
University  recently  located  at  Lewisburg,  under  the 
direction  of  Prof.  S.  W.  Taylor,  A.  M.  The  following 
was  presented  by  Mr.  Kincaid,  and  published  in  the 
minutes  of  this  year  :  "  The  Preparatory  Department 
of  this  Institution,  has  been  for  one  year  in  successful 
operation.     During  the  Winter  session,  upwards  of  50 


52  ANNALS    OF   THE    ASSOCIATION. 

pupils  were  present,  and  more  than  70  during  the  Sum- 
mer session,  just  closed.  Several  of  the  students  are 
prepared  to  enter  the  Freshman  Class  of  the  Collegiate 
Department  this  Fall,  and  it  is  expected  that  a  Sopho- 
more Class  will  also  be  organized  at  the  opening  of  the 
coming  session." 

The  former  part  of  this  decade  was  distinguished  by 
numerous  revivals.  During  the  first  six  years,  nearly 
a  thousand  converts  were  added  to  the  several  churches, 
twelve  of  which  received  the  most  numerous  accessions. 
One  hundred  and  thirteen  were  added  to  the  church  at 
Damascus  ;  ninety-three  to  that  at  Greenfield,  and 
ninety-one  to  the  Abington  Church.  It  would,  per- 
haps, be  difficult  to  point  out  the  various  means  and  in- 
strumentalities employed  and  blessed  in  promoting  this 
gracious  work.  It  may,  however,  be  safe  to  name  the 
following  as  among  the  more  obvious  and  important. 
Protracted  meetings  were  frequently  held  and  so  con- 
ducted as  to  greatly  promote  this  gracious  work.  In 
the  minutes  of  1837  and  '38,  the  following  resolution 
was  conspicuously  published  :  "  That  we  recommend  to 
each  of  the  churches  in  this  Association,  to  hold  a  Pro- 
tracted Meeting  during  the  year,  in  humble  dependence 
on  God  for  his  blessing,  and  that  judicious  and  faithful 
brethren  in  sister  churches  be  invited  to  attend."  This 
recommendation  of  the  Association  was,  doubtless,  acted 
upon  by  many  of  the  churches,  resulting  in  the  hopeful 
conversion  of  sinners  and  the  comfort  and  encourage- 
ment of  saints.  The  pastors  of  the  churches  belong- 
ing to  the  Association,  did  most  of  the  preaching  at 
these  meetings.  Among  the  more  earnest  and  success- 
ful of  these,  were  Revs.   Henry  Curtis,  James  Clark, 


FOURTH     DECADE.  53 

John  Miller,  William  K.  Mott,  Joseph  Curren,  D.  F. 
Leach,  Silas  Finn,  and  Daniel  E.  Bowen.  The  other 
pastors,  however,  were  not  idle  and  did  not  labor  in 
vain  on  their  respective  fields.  More  or  less  prosperity 
attended  most  of  the  churches  during  this  favored 
period.  How  many  pious  souls  among  the  private 
members,  wrestled  in  prayer  in  their  closets,  at  the 
domestic  altar  and  in  the  assemblies  of  the  saints,  may 
not  now  be  known  or  here  recorded,  but  their  record  is 
on  high  and  will  not  be  forgotten  when  God  makes  up 
his  jewels  and  crowns  his  redeemed. 

The  latter  portion  of  this  decade  was  marked  by 
general  coldness  and  declension.  During  the  last  four 
years,  comparatively  few  converts  were  added  to  the 
churches.  The  vision  tarried  and  the  blessing  was 
withheld.  The  pious  mourned  and  the  wicked  triumphed. 
The  causes  of  this  state  of  things  may  not  now  be  traced 
out  or  treasured  up  for  our  aid  and  admonition.  It 
does  not  seem  that  they  were  even  then  fully  compre- 
hended. The  churches  complained,  in  their  annual 
letters,  of  their  lack  of  faith  and  lamented  their  want 
of  energy  and  earnestness.  The  Association  passed 
resolutions  deploring  the  general  coldness,  and  in  1846 
recommended  "  the  first  Wednesday  of  December  as  a 
'day  of  fasting  and  most  devout  and  fervent  prayer  to 
Almighty  God  for  the  outpouring  of  his  Spirit  upon 
our  churches,  and  the  revival  of  his  work  in  our  hearts." 
The  corresponding  letters  of  these  years  also  breathe 
out  confessions  and  complaints,  and  fill  the  air  with 
longings  and  lamentations.  The  closing  year,  however, 
brings  some  tokens  of  good,  and  a  more  cheerful  spirit 
pervades  and  animates  the  body. 


54  ANNALS    OF   THE    ASSOCIATION. 

During  this  decade  a  persevering  effort  was  made  to  dif- 
fuse religious  knowledge  among  the  churches  and  develop 
an  intelligent  spirit  of  missionary  zeal  and  Christian  be- 
nevolence among  the  membership.  In  1838,  the  first  year 
of  this  decade,  the  following  resolutions,  copied  in  part 
from  the  minutes  of  the  previous  year,  were  presented  by 
a  committee  consisting  of  Revs.  John  Miller,  William 
Frear  and  Henry  Curtis,  and  passed  by  the  Associa- 
tion :  "  Resolved,  that  this  Association  considers  it 
very  important  that  religious  intelligence  be  more  gen- 
erally diffused  among  the  churches ;  we  do,  therefore, 
most  earnestly  recommend  to  our  brethren  that  they 
take,  read  and  pay  for  a  religious  periodical,  such  as 
the  G-ospel  Witness  of  New  York  ;  the  Baptist  Register 
of  Utica  ;  the  Baptist  Record  of  Philadelphia  ;  and  the 
American  Baptist  Magazine."  "Resolved,  that  the 
ministers  of  this  Association  be  requested  to  preach  on 
the  subject  of  the  Bible  cause,  once  or  more  during  the 
year,  and  take  up  a  collection  for  that  object.  Also, 
that  we  warmly  recommend  to  the  members  of  our 
churches,  a  continued  and  increasing  attention  to  the 
direct  scriptural  instruction  of  the  young,  in  the  family 
circle,  Bible  Classes  and  Sabbath  Schools."  Another 
resolution  requests  the  churches  to  provide  subscrip- 
tion books,  with  a  separate  column  for  each  of  the  fol- 
lowing objects,  viz.,  Foreign  and  Domestic  Missions, 
American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  Sabbath  Schools, 
Tract  Distribution,  and  Ministerial  Education.  These 
or  similar  resolutions,  were  passed  and  published  from 
year  to  year,  and  the  subjects  they  embraced  were  con- 
stantly kept  before  the  churches  and  earnestly  urged 
upon  the  attention  of  their  members.     This  persistent 


FOURTH     DECADE.  55 

effort  was  not  altogether  fruitless,  but  tended  to  form 
correct  views  of  duty  and  foster  an  enlarged  and  en- 
lightened benevolence.  The  amount  raised  during  this 
period  for  various  benevolent  objects,  fully  justifies  this 
favorable  conclusion. 


56  ANNALS   OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

FIFTH  DECADE,  1847—1857. 

The  Association,  at  the  commencement  of  this  de- 
cade, embraced  nine  ordained  and  three  licensed  minis- 
ters laboring  for  twenty  churches,  eight  of  which  were 
situated  in  Wayne  County,  six  in  Luzerne,  four  in  Sus- 
quehanna and  the  remaining  two  on  the  east  of  the  Del- 
aware in  the  State  of  New  York.  The  region  covered 
by  the  Association,  embraced  the  northern  portion  of 
Luzerne  County,  most  of  Wayne  and  the  eastern  part 
of  Susquehanna.  This  tract  is  nicely  balanced  across 
the  Mbosic  mountain,  extending  down  its  north-eastern 
slope  to  the  Delaware  river  and  its  south-western  to 
the  Susquehanna.  It  is  variegated  by  rugged  hills  and 
rich  valleys,  beautiful  forests  and  cultivated  fields ;  it 
is  striped  by  river  and  lake  and  bound  together  by  rail- 
way and  canal — the  outlets  of  iron  and  coal  but  the  in- 
lets of  error  and  crime ;  it  is  dotted  over  with  the  bust- 
ling city,  busy  village  and  beautiful  hamlet,  teeming 
with  a  dense,  enterprising  population,  as  various  in 
creed  and  character  as  in  origin  and  language.  The 
farming,  mining  and  other  interests  have  invited  a  het- 
erogeneous population,  composed  chiefly  of  the  shrewd 
Yankee,  and  slow  German  ;  the  stern  Scotchman  and 
impulsive  Welshman,  with  the  passionate  and  prejudiced 
Irishman.  On  such  a  field,  among  such  a  people,  the 
progress  of  the  cause  must  necessarily  be  slow  and  its 
prosperity  somewhat  limited.  The  scene  of  its  most 
signal  triumphs,  has  been  among  the  American  popula- 
tion in  the  farming  districts.  A  foothold,  however,  has 
been  gained  in  most  of  the  towns  and  villages,  the  cen- 
tres of  influence  and  nationalities. 


FIFTH    DECADE.  57 

The  Forty-first  Anniversary  was  held  at  Blakely, 
September  6th  and  7th,  1848.  Introductory  sermon 
by  Henry  Curtis ;  M.  M.  Everets  moderator  ;  H.  D. 
Walker  and  Silas  Finn  clerks.  Reported  21  baptisms 
and  1423  communicants. 

The  Berean  Church  of  Carbondale,  was  received  into 
the  Association  at  this  meeting,  and  the  request  of  the 
Second  Clifford  Church  to  be  "  dropped  from  the  min- 
utes," was  refused  as  unconstitutional.  The  state  of 
religion  in  the  churches  was  not  the  most  encouraging, 
yet  the  present  session  seems  to  have  been  one  of  much 
interest,  furnishing,  however,  few  salient  points.  It 
was  voted,  "  that  in  view  of  the  facilities  afforded  for 
the  education  of  our  sons  and  daughters  in  a  school  of 
established  reputation  within  the  limits  of  our  Associ- 
ation, we  do  most  cordially  recommend  to  our  brethren 
and  to  parents  generally,  to  patronize  the  Madison 
Academy,  located  at  Abington  Centre,  under  the  care 
of  its  worthy  principal,  H.  D.  Walker."  Besides  the 
usual  vote  of  thanks  "  to  the  members  and  friends  of 
the  Blakely  Church  for  the  kind  and  hospitable  manner 
in  which  they  have  entertained  us,"  it  was  also  re- 
solved, "  that  the  thanks  of  this  Association  be  pre- 
sented to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lillibridge  for  their  generous 
hospitality  in  entertaining  the  clergy  during  the  ses- 
sion." 

The  Forty-second  Anniversary  was  held  at  Bethany, 
September  5th  and  6th,  1849.  Introductory  sermon 
by  T.  0.  Judd ;  Silas  Finn  moderator ;  A.  0.  Han- 
ford  and  Austin  Davenport  clerks.  Reported  19  bap- 
tisms and  1396  communicants. 

The  request  of  the  Covington  and  "  First"  Lebanon 


58  ANNALS   OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

churches  for  admission  into  the  Association,  was  granted. 
A  committee  consisting  of  Revs.  Henry  Curtis  and  John 
Miller,  was  appointed  to  visit  the  Herrick  and  Second 
Clifford  churches  and  report  at  the  next  session.  Dur- 
ing the  current  year  upwards  of  five  hundred  dollars 
were  raised  by  the  several  churches  for  benevolent  ob- 
jects, distributed  as  follows,  viz.,  for  Foreign  Missions, 
$62.30;  Pennsylvania  Baptist  Convention,  $243.96; 
New  York  Baptist  Convention,  $6.00 ;  Lackawanna 
and  Lackawaxen  Bible  Society,  $171.55;  and  for  print- 
ing Minutes,  $19.51,  making  a  total  of  $503.34.  This 
perhaps  is  about  the  average  yearly  amount  for  this 
decade.  The  prevalent  low  state  of  religion  in  the 
churches  seems  also  to  have  occupied  the  earnest  at- 
tention of  the  Association.  The  Circular  Letter  of 
this  year,  was  an  able  discussion  of  the  causes  of  the 
low  state  of  Zion,  written  by  Rev.  Henry  Curtis,  in 
which  he  names  the  following  as  among  the  more  obvi- 
ous causes  of  this  state  of  things,  viz.,  a  spirit  of 
worldly-mindedness — the  neglect  to  cultivate  personal 
and  family  religion — the  too  common  neglect  of  cove- 
nant obligations — the  want  of  co-operation  between 
churches  and  pastors,  and  finally  the  want  of  fervent 
and  effectual  prayer  for  a  greater  measure  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

The  Forty-third  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abington, 
September  4th  and  5th,  1850.  Introductory  sermon 
by  Henry  Curtis,  who  was  moderator  ;  Lora  W.  Stone 
and  William  A.  Miller  clerks.  Reported  b6  baptisms 
and  1402  communicants. 

The  Newton  and  Hyde  Park  Churches  were  added 
to  the  body   at  this   session.     The  record  of  business 


FIFTH    DECADE.  59 

presents  little  of  especial  interest.  Near  the  close  of 
the  meeting,  Rev.  Andrew  Hopper  reported  the  pro- 
ceedings of  a  missionary  convention,  held  at  Clinton,  in 
the  preceding  February  ;  "whereupon  it  was  ordered 
that  the  resolutions,  then  and  there  adopted,  be  incor- 
porated in  the  minutes,  for  the  purpose  of  directing  the 
attention  of  all  the  churches  more  fully  to  the  necessity 
of  supplying  destitute  neighborhoods  with  the  preached 
Gospel."  The  following  is  the  substance  of  the  resolu- 
tions to  which  allusion  is  made  :  "  That  each  church 
should  seek  to  promote  personal  piety  and  mutual  peace 
among  its  members,  and  endeavor  to  sustain  an  efficient 
pastor,  as  best  adapted  to  a  healthy  growth,  and  per- 
manent prosperity.  Also  that  the  Association  be 
requested  to  appoint  a  standing  missionary  committee, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  correspond  with  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Baptist  Convention,  with  a  view  to  the  appoint- 
ment of  suitable  men  to  labor  on  prominent  and 
promising  fields  within  our  borders  ;  and  that  it  be 
recommended  to  brethren  in  destitute  churches,  and 
neighborhoods  to  correspond  with  said  committee,  sta- 
ting their  condition  and  the  character  of  the  field  they 
wish  cultivated,  and  also  the  probable  amount  they  can 
raise  for  the  support  of  preaching."  The  above  sugges- 
tion was  acted  upon  and  six  brethren  were  appointed  as 
a  missionary  committee — this  committee  expired  with 
the  close  of  this  decade. 

The  Forty-fourth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Ten  Mile 
River,  September  3d  and  4th,  1851.  Introductory 
sermon  by  John  Miller ;  Andrew  Hopper  moderator  ; 
Lewis  L.  Still  and  W.  Gr.  Baker  clerks.  Reported  99 
baptisms  and  1606  communicants. 


60  ANNALS    OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

At  this  session  the  Berlin,  Union,  Welsh  of  Carbon- 
dale,  and  West  Abington  churches  were  received  into 
the  Association,  and  the  Tioga,  Ontario,  Madison,  Cort- 
land and  Welsh  Oneida  Associations  were  "ordered  to 
be  stricken  from  our  list  of  correspondents."  The 
Constitution,  Rules  of  Order  and  Articles  of  Faith  of 
the  body,  were  re-produced  in  the  minutes  of  this  year. 
A  full  supply  of  Agents,  a  painful  necessity  of  the 
times,  was  present  at  this  meeting ;  Revs.  J.  L.  Rich- 
mond, William  Rees  and  Gilbert  S.  Bailey,  representing 
the  Pennsylvania  Baptist  Convention,  American  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  American  Baptist  Home 
Mission  Society. 

The  following  resolution,  passed  by  the  Association, 
will  suitably  mark  the  sudden  destruction  of  the  first 
Clinton  meeting-house.  "  In  the  providence  of  God, 
the  late  destructive  whirlwind  which  swept  over  this 
section  of  country,  having  caused  the  entire  destruction 
of  the  Baptist  meeting-house  in  Clinton,  and  leaving 
the  church  and  congregation  without  a  suitable  place 
of  worship  by  reason  of  this  calamitous  event ;  there- 
fore, in  order  to  sympathize  with  our  brethren  in  their 
distress  and  afford  them  aid  in  rebuilding,  we  earnestly 
recommend  their  case  to  the  prayers  and  liberality  of 
the  churches  of  this  Association." 

The  Forty-fifth  Anniversary  was  held  at  West  Abing- 
ton, September  1st  and  2d,  1852.  Introductory  sermon 
by  C.  C.  Williams,  who  was  moderator,  and  Andrew 
Hopper  clerk.  Reported  149  baptisms  and  1661  com- 
municants. 

The  Ashland  and  Second  Damascus  Churches  were 
admitted  into  the  body  at  this  session.     After  the  letter 


FIFTH    DECADE.  61 

from  the  latter  church  was  read,  the  Association,  at  the 
request  of  the  moderator,  who  had  been  similarly  remem- 
bered at  the  previous  meeting,  "  united  with  Rev.  Rial 
Tower  in  solemn  prayer  to  God  on  behalf  of  our  brother, 
Rev.  John  T.  Mitchell  and  his  family,  because  of  the 
severe  afflictions  visited  upon  them  in  the  form  of  sick- 
ness and  bereavement."  Besides  passing  the  usual 
resolutions  on  various  benevolent  organizations,  the 
Association  endorsed  the  "  Maine  Law"  in  the  follow- 
ing somewhat  wordy  though  sufficiently  pointed  resolu- 
tion :  "  That  this  Association  believe  the  Maine 
Liquor  Law  to  be  based  on  the  principles  of  right,  hu- 
manity, and  religion,  and  like  the  law  of  God,  lays  the 
axe  at  the  root  of  the  tree  and  places  the  responsibility 
of  the  evils  and  woes  of  intemperance  where  it  justly 
belongs,  and  like  the  blessed  Gospel,  throws  into  the 
waters  that  have  been  rolling  a  tide  of  bitterness  and 
desolation,  of  temporal  and  eternal  death  over  the 
nations,  an  element  by  which  they  are  sweetened  and 
made  the  streams  of  life,  gladness  and  salvation.  Also 
that  we  recommend  to  each  of  the  churches  composing 
this  body,  to  appoint  one  or  more  of  its  members  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  make  an  effort  to  secure  the  names 
of  the  entire  membership,  as  petitioners  to  our  Legisla- 
ture, praying  them  to  enact  a  similar  law  at  their  next 
session."  If  this  prayer  was  made,  it  was  never  an- 
swered, as  men  still  continue  to  put  the  bottle  to  their 
neighbor's  lips  according  to  law. 

The  Forty-sixth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Honesdale, 
September  7th  and  8th,   1853.     Introductory  sermon 
by  Wm.  K.  Mott,  who  was  moderator;  E.  L.  Bailey  and 
6 


62  ANNALS    OF   THE  ASSOCIATION. 

Homer  Grennell  clerks.  Reported  154  baptisms  and 
1661  commnnicants. 

The  Mt.  Bethel  Church  was  added  to  the  body  at 
this  session,  and  a  committee  of  three  was  appointed  to 
collect  the  necessary  facts  and  documents,  and  compile 
and  publish  a  comprehensive  history  of  the  churches 
composing  the  Association.  But  few  agents  or  minis- 
ters from  abroad  were  in  attendance.  Rev.  Davis 
Diinock,  of  Montrose,  however,  was  present  and  on  the 
second  day  of  the  session,,  preached  an  interesting  ser- 
mon from  Ps.  32  :  1,  2,  on  The  Blessedness  of  Imputed 
Righteousness.  The  occasion  was  one  of  much  interest 
to  the  ministers  and  messengers  present,  and  must  have 
been  no  less  so  to  this  venerable  father  in  Israel.  He 
had  been  present  at  the  organisation  of  the  Association,, 
nearly  a  half  century  since,  when  it  embraced  but  three 
feeble  churches,  and  as  many  pastors,  together  with 
some  140  communicants.  It  now  embraced  27  churches,, 
18  ordained  and  8  licensed  ministers,  with  a  member- 
ship approaching  two  thousand.  The  comparison  was 
interesting  and  the  contrast  encouraging.  He  had 
witnessed  the  feeble  infancy  of  the  Association,  and 
watched  its  gradual  growth.  He  now  saw  it  in  its  ma- 
ture years  and  manly  strength.  To  one  who  had 
devoted  the  efforts  of  a  long  life  to  the  cause  of  Christ, 
such  a  sight  and  retrospect  must  have  been  of  thrilling 
interest  and  an  occasion  of  devout  gratitude. 

The  Forty-seventh  Anniversary  was  held  at  Bentonr 
September  6th  and  Tth,  1854.  Introductory  sermon 
by  Sanford  Leach ;  C.  A.  Fox  moderator ;  E.  L„ 
Bailey  and  A..  0.  Hanford  clerks..  Reported  136  bap- 
tisms and  1696  communicants.. 


FIFTH   DECADE.  83 

The  Salem  and  Hollisterville  Oliurches  were  admitted 
as  members  of  the  body,  and  the  Callicoon  Church  was 
dismissed  to  unite  with  another  Association.  Rev. 
Zelotes  Grenell  was  present  for  the  first  time  as  a 
minister  of  this  body,  having  recently  settled  as  pastor 
of  the  Honesdale  Church,  He  had,  however,  long 
taken  a  deep  interest  in  the  prosperity  and  progress  of 
the  Association,  having  attended  most  of  its  anniversa- 
ries from  1818,  and  by  his  presence  and  preaching 
adding  much  to  the  profit  and  pleasure  of  such  occa- 
sions. The  body,  though  moderately  anti-slavery,  had 
not,  up  to  this  period,  expressed  a  decided  opinion  -on 
that  exciting  question.  At  this  session,  however,  the 
Association  passed  the  following  brief  but  comprehen- 
sive resolution,  which  was  published  in  the  minutes  of 
this  and  two  subsequent  years :  "  Resolved,  that  we  be- 
lieve the  system  of  Slavery  as  it  exists  in  the  United 
States,  to  be  a  great  and  growing  evil,  and  that  we 
pledge  our  interest  and  influence  to  prevent  its  ex- 
tension and  promote  its  extinction.'"  To  this  was 
added  in  1856,  "  And  that  the  time  for  action  has  now 
come." 

The  Forty-eighth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Hollis- 
terville, September  5th  and  6th,  1855.  Introductory 
sermon  by  E.  L.  Bailey;  Henry  Curtis  moderator;  E. 
L.  Bailey  and  Homer  Grennell  clerks.  Reported  98 
baptisms  and  1772  communicants. 

The  Aldenville  Church  was  admitted  into  the  Asso- 
ciation at  this  session.  On  the  evening  of  the  first 
day,  the  usual  order  of  business  was  agreeably  varied 
by  the  ordination  of  Messrs.  James  Waite  and  William 
Potter  as  Deacons  of  Hollisterville  Church,  by  the  fol- 


»j4  ANNALS    OF   THE    ASSOCIATION. 

lowing  appropriate  services,  viz.,  sermon  by  Rev.  Wm. 
K.  Mott ;  charge  to  the  candidates  by  Rev.  Henry 
Curtis  ;  consecrating  prayer  by  the  preacher,  and  im- 
position of  hands  with  other  ministers  ;  address  to  the 
church  by  Rev.  D.  C.  Haynes,  agent  of  the  American 
Baptist  Publication  Society.  On  the  second  day,  in 
addition  to  the  usual  resolutions,  the  two  following  were 
passed ;  the  one  correcting  a  casual  evil ;  the  other 
indicating  a  sensible  necessity  :  "  That  we  recommend 
to  the  churches  of  this  body,  in  receiving  ministers 
from  other  denominations  and  in  ordaining  brethren  of 
our  own,  to  use  the  utmost  care  to  take  no  step  in  such 
matters,  without  freely  consulting  neighboring  sis- 
ter churches  according  to  the  usages  of  the  denomina- 
tion." Also,  "  That  we  affectionately  and  earnestly 
request  the  churches  of  this  Association,  to  set  apart 
the  first  Monday  of  January  next,  as  a  day  of  solemn 
prayer  and  fasting,  and  to  implore  the  reviving  influ- 
ences of  God's  Holy  Spirit  to  rest  upon  the  churches." 

The  Forty-ninth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Abington, 
September  3d  and  4th,  1856.  Introductory  sermon  by 
Henry  Curtis ;  E.  K.  Norton  moderator ;  E.  L.  Bailey 
and  Homer  Grennell  clerks.  Reported  98  baptisms 
and  1661  communicants. 

The  opening  sermon  of  this  session  was  historical, 
embracing  brief  notices  of  various  early  ministers,  the 
Missionary  character  and  the  present  duties  and  ne- 
cessities of  the  Association.  The  discourse  was  listened 
to  with  much  interest,  and  by  request  was  published  in 
the  Christian  Chronicle  of  Philadelphia.  The  Abington 
Valley  Church  united  with  the  Association,  and  the 
Welsh    Church    of    Carbondale     "  stood   not    on    the 


FIFTH    DECADE.  65 

manner  of  its  going,  but  went  at  once,"  leaving  the 
body  still  one  short  of  thirty,  the  desirable  round 
number.  The  matter  of  corresponding  with  neighbor- 
ing Associations,  having  become  a  mere  formality,  it 
was  voted,  "  That  we  dispense  with  the  usual  form  of 
receiving  messengers  from,  and  sending  them  to  cor- 
responding bodies."  Besides  endorsing  the  American 
Baptist  Publication  Society,  in  common  with  various 
other  denominational  institutions,  it  was  resolved, 
"  That  we  request  the  Society  to  appoint  a  colporteur 
to  labor  in  this  Association  for  the  ooming  year,  and 
that  we  raise  $150,  the  amount  of  his  annual  salary." 
Measures  were  devised  to  secure  the  sum  pledged,  and 
it  was  added  in  another  part  of  the  minutes,  that  Mr. 
D.  W.  Halstead  had  already  received  an  appointment 
from  the  Publication  Society,  to  labor  within  the  bounds 
of  the  Association,  and  had  "  commenced  canvassing 
the  field,  in  order  to  seek  out  and  supply  the  destitute 
and  others  with  religious  books  and  tracts."  The  time 
of  holding  the  annual  meeting  was  changed  by  the  con- 
currence  of  21  churches  of  the  29,  from  the  first  to  the 
fourth  Wednesday  of  September. 

The  Fiftieth  Anniversary  was  held  at  Damascus, 
September  24th  and  25th,  1857.  Introductory  sermon 
by  0.  L.  Hall ;  C.  A.  Fox  moderator  ;  J.  N.  Folwell 
and  0.  L.  Hall  clerks.  Reported  65  baptisms  and 
1641  communicants. 

This  session  was  one  of  much  interest  but  marked  by 
few  peculiarities.  Some  strange  faces  were  present 
and  many  familiar  ones,  while  some  of  the  latter  were 
absent,  having  been  called  to  their  rest  and  reward. 
Among  these  were  Hon.  Moses  Thomas  of  Damascus, 


M  ANNALS   OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

Dea.  L.  L.  Demming  of  Honesdale,  and  Rev.  John  Mil- 
ler of  Abington,  one  of  the  pioneer  pastors  of  the 
Association.  These  were  affectionately  named  in  the 
letters  from  their  respective  churches,  Rev.  Henry 
Curtis,  long  among  the  most  prominent  and  useful 
members  of  the  body,  was  not  present  to  occupy  his 
usual  place  and  exert  his  accustomed  influence  on  the 
counsels  of  his  brethren.  The  cause  of  his  absence 
was  alluded  to  in  the  letter  from  the  Clinton  Church. 
"  Since  our  last  anniversary,"  they  say,  "  our  highly 
esteemed  pastor  has  been  sadly  and  severely  afflicted. 
He  continued  to  preach  for  us  until  March  last,  when 
God  in  his  mysterious  providence,  deprived  us  and  the 
world  of  his  labors  at  least  for  a  season."  E.  L.  Bailey 
was  elected  Corresponding  Secretary  in  place  of  Mr. 
Curtis,  and  a  Jubilee  Meeting  of  the  body,  to  celebrate 
its  Semi-Centennial  Anniversary,  was  appointed  to  be 
held  at  Abington,  commencing  on  Saturday,  December 
26,  1857. 

At  the  appointed  place  and  time,  a  large  number  of 
ministers  and  members  belonging  to  the  various  churches 
composing  the  Association,  convened  and  organized  by 
appointing  Rev.  C.  A.  Fox  chairman,  and  Rev.  J.  N. 
Folwell  scribe.  The  exercises  were  commenced  at  10 
o'clock,  A.  M.  After  singing  by  the  choir  and  prayer 
by  Rev.  J.  B.  Kenyon,  the  opening  sermon  was  preach- 
ed by  Rev.  Wm.  K.  Mott  of  Hyde  Park,  from  Isa.  5Q  : 
2.  Theme — TJie  Increase  and  Stability  of  the  Church. 
The  afternoon  session  was  pleasantly  and  profitably 
occupied  by  prayer  and  conference,  a  large  number  of 
brethren  and  sisters  taking  part  in  the  exercises.  The 
occasion  was  one  of  deep  interest  and  solemnity.     At 


FIFTH     DECADE.  67 

the  evening  meeting  a  committee  of  three  was  appointed 
to  secure  the  necessary  funds  for  publishing  the  history 
of  the  Association,  in  course  of  preparation.  The 
minutes  of  the  organization  of  the  Association  on  the 
26th  of  December  1807,  were  read  by  E.  L.  Bailey, 
and  also  an  Historical  Discourse  from  1  Sam.  7:  12, 
prepared  by  Rev.  Zelotes  Grrenell  of  Port  Jervis.  This 
was  followed  by  a  season  of  conference,  after  which  the 
meeting  was  closed  with  prayer  and  benediction  by 
the  chairman. 

The  services  were  resumed  on  the  morning  of  the 
following  day,  it  being  Sabbath,  at  10J  o'clock.  The 
opening  services  were  conducted  by  Rev.  Charles  Mil- 
ler, followed  by  a  sermon  from  Rev.  T.  J.  Cole,  on  Isa. 
61:  10.  Theme — The  World's  Jubilee.  After  an 
intermission  of  fifteen  minutes  the  services  were  resum- 
ed and  the  audience  listened  to  a  feeling  and  experi- 
mental sermon  by  Rev.  Charles  Miller,  from  1  John 
3 :  1.  This  was  followed  by  a  deeply  interesting  sea- 
son of  confession  and  exhortation.  In  the  evening 
E.  L.  Bailey  preached  from  Heb.  2 :  3,  on  The  Great 
Salvation.  The  meeting  closed  with  a  solemn  season  of 
prayer  and  conference.  The  stifled  utterance  and  fall- 
ing tear  evinced  the  interest  and  earnestness  felt  in  the 
occasion  and  exercises.  Thus  closed  the  Semi-Centen- 
nial  Celebration  of  the  Abington  Baptist  Association. 
Five  persons  were  present  at  this  meeting,  who  had 
also  been  present  at  the  organization  of  the  Association 
fifty  years  before,  viz.,  Dea.  Jeffrey  Dean  and  his  wife 
Sybil,  Jonathan  Hall,  Mrs.  Sophia  Clark  and  Mrs. 
Prudence  Stone.  Who  of  us  will  attend  the  Century 
Celebration  in  1907  ?    What  hand  will  trace  the  Annals 


OS  ANNALS    OF   THE    ASSOCIATION. 

of  this  Association  during  the  coming  half  century  ? 
The  middle  portion  of  this  decade  was  marked  by 
numerous  additions  to  the  churches  by  baptism,  while 
its  commencement  and  close  were  comparatively  desti- 
tute of  revival  influences.  There  was,  however,  during 
this  entire  period,  much  earnest  and  enlightened  effort 
on  behalf  of  various  missionary  and  other  benevolent 
objects.  The  contributions  of  the  churches  to  these  ob- 
jects, were  generally  more  liberal  and  regular  than 
they  had  been  in  former  years.  Among  the  objects 
patronized,  the  Bible  cause  seems  to  have  elicited  the 
greatest  share  of  interest  and  received  the  most  liberal 
support.  On  the  22d  of  December,  1843,  "  The  Bible 
Society  of  North-Eastern  Pennsylvania"  had  been 
formed,  having  for  its  "  single  object  to  aid  in  circula- 
ting the  Scriptures  in  all  lands."  On  the  3d  of  Sep- 
tember, 1844,  the  constitution  of  this  Society  was 
simplified,  and  its  name  was  changed  to  "  The  Lacka- 
wanna and  Lackawaxen  Bible  Society,"  indicating  the 
field  of  its  operations  along  the  Delaware  and  Susque- 
hanna slopes  of  the  Moosic  Mountain.  Its  object  was 
to  "  raise  funds  for  supplying  the  destitute  in  our  own 
neighborhood  with  the  Word  of  God,  and  to  aid  the 
Parent  Society  in  its  efforts  to  circulate  the  Bible 
throughout  the  world."  Any  person  could  become  an 
annual  member  by  contributing  fifty  cents  yearly,  or  a 
life  member  by  the  payment  of  ten  dollars.  Its  offi- 
cers consisted  of  a  President,  four  Vice  Presidents,  a 
Secretary  and  Treasurer.  Provision  was  also  made  for 
the  appointment  of  a  solicitor  in  each  church  of  the 
Association,  to  collect  funds,  ascertain  the  amount  of 
destitution    in    his  own  neighborhood,  and  report  the 


FIFTH     DECADE.  69 

same  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Society.  The  annual 
meetings  of  the  Society  were  to  be  held  in  connection 
with  those  of  the  Association,  and  also  semi-annual 
meetings  at  such  places  as  were  most  central  and  con- 
venient. Bible  Depositories  were  established  at  Carbon- 
dale  and  Honesdale. 

At  the  opening  of  this  decade,  the  machinery  of  the 
Society  was  in  successful  operation.  The  Treasurer 
reported  at  the  annual  meeting  in  1848,  some  four 
hundred  dollars  raised  during  the  current  year  for  the 
objects  of  the  Society,  the  most  of  which  had  been 
passed  over  to  the  Parent  Society,  divided  about 
equally  between  donations  and  the  purchase  of  Bibles 
and  Testaments.  During  the  first  four  years,  the 
Society  had  distributed,  by  sale  or  grant,  upwards  of 
two  thousand  volumes.  During  the  following  year  the 
Society  raised  nearly  three  hundred  and  fifty  dollars 
by  the  sale  of  books  and  contributions  from  the  churches, 
and  distributed  more  than  three  hundred  and  fifty 
Bibles  and  Testaments.  The  receipts  of  1850  fell 
somewhat  below  those  of  the  previous  year,  while  the 
books  distributed  were  greatly  in  excess. 

The  Society  continued  its  work  of  faith  and  labor  of 
love  through  the  remaining  portion  of  this  decade, 
raising  funds,  exploring  the  field,  purchasing  Bibles 
and  Testaments,  and  distributing  the  same  by  sale  or 
grant  amOng  the  destitute  and  others,  through  its  so- 
licitors and  colporteurs.  By  the  latter,  the  most  des- 
titute portions  of  the  field  were  thoroughly  canvassed 
and  abundantly  supplied.  In  the  Summer  of  1852,  a 
colporteur  canvassed  the  Lackawanna  Valley  under  the 
direction  of  this  Society.     He  made  the  following  re- 


70  ANNALS   OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

port  which  was  published  in  the  minutes  of  this  year. 
"  Most  of  my  time,  while  in  the  employ  of  the  Society, 
has  been  occupied  in  the  distribution  of  Bibles  and 
Testaments,  either  by  sale  or  grant,  among  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  Lackawanna  Valley.  This  valley  takes  its 
name  and  direction  from  the  Lackawanna  river.  It 
extends  from  Carbondale  City,  south-west  to  Pittston, 
a  distance  of  twenty-five  miles.  For  some  distance 
down  the  valley  the  mountains  on  either  side  close  in 
their  rocky  fronts  at  intervals  until  they  almost  meet ; 
but  as  you  follow  on  down,  they  retire  in  gentle  slopes 
and  the  valley  spreads  out  into  broad  cultivated  farms 
and  beautiful  waving  woodlands.  The  valley  also 
abounds  in  sources  of  mineral  wealth.  Its  iron  ore  is 
said  to  be  rich  and  abundant ;  its  anthracite  coal  un- 
surpassed and  inexhaustable.  The  farming  and  min- 
ing interests  invite  a  heterogeneous,  enterprising  popu- 
lation ;  hence,  the  representatives  of  almost  every  land 
and  language,  creed  and  character,  meet  and  mingle 
their  discordant  elements  in  this  valley.  The  original 
settlers,  chiefly  from  New  England,  were  in  some  cases 
sceptical  in  their  opinions.  This  feature  adheres  in 
some  degree  to  their  descendants,  some  of  whom  are 
avowed  deists,  others  are  careless  sinners,  while  a  few 
are  devout  Christians.  Most  of  the  American  popula- 
tion are  supplied  with  the  Scriptures ;  but  such  as  are 
not,  accept  a  Bible  thankfully  and  in  many  cases  are 
able  and  willing  to  purchase  one.  The  German  popu- 
lation are  quite  numerous.  They  are  in  most  cases 
either  formal  Protestants  or  liberal  Catholics.  The 
former  are  usually  supplied  with  the  Scriptures ;  the 
latter  are  to  some  extent,  but  if  not,  they  are  uniformly 


FIFTH    DECADE.  71 

willing  to  accept  a  Bible.  The  Welsh  population  are 
also  numerous.  They  are  uniformly  Protestants  and 
generally  supplied  with  Bibles,  both  in  Welsh  and 
English.  But  if  a  family  should  chance  to  be  destitute,, 
they  are  anxious  to  be  supplied.  The  Irish  population 
are  no  less  numerous  than  the  Welsh  and  German. 
They  are  with  few  exceptions,  rigid  Catholics,  strongly 
prejudiced  and  difficult  of  access.  Most  of  them  are 
destitute  of  the  Scriptures.  Some,  however,  are  sup- 
plied with  the  Douay  Bible ;  others  are  anxious  to 
secure  it.  In  a  majority  of  cases  they  are  unwilling  to 
accept  a  '  Protestant  Bible'  as  they  are  accustomed  to 
call  it ;  but  many  of  them  are  willing,  and  some  seem 
even  anxious  to  receive  and  read  the  sacred  Scriptures. 
About  fifty  families  of  this  latter  class  have  been 
gladly  and  gratuitously  supplied.  This  is  the  valley  in 
which  your  colporteur  has  lived,  and  these  are  the  peo 
pie  among  whom  he  has  labored  during  the  past  three 
months.  In  that  time  about  a  thousand  families  have 
been  visited ;  above  five  hundred  Bibles  and  Testaments 
distributed,  and  nearly  a  hundred  destitute  families 
supplied/' 

In  1854  a  colporteur  was  employed  to  explore 
another  and  less  destitute  portion  of  the  field.  In  the 
Annual  Report  of  the  Society  for  this  year,  the  follow- 
ing statements  are  made :  "  Our  esteemed  brother  D. 
W.  Halsted  has  been  employed  as  our  colporteur,  for  a 
few  weeks  during  the  past  Winter,  in  the  northern 
portion  of  Wayne  County.  In  his  report  to  the  Board 
he  gives  the  following  interesting  account  of  his  labors : 
' 1  found  a  few  destitute  of  the  Word  of  God,  though 
not  as  many  as  had  been  represented.    I  traveled  among 


72  ANNALS    OF   THE   ASSOCIATION. 

the  Irish  Catholics,  but  usually  found  them  supplied 
with  "  Doua}^"  or  Protestant  Bibles.  I  learned  that 
two  colporteurs  had  explored  this  section  some  three 
years  since  and  one  during  the  past  year.  As  far  as  I 
went  I  supplied  all  who  wished  to  be,  with  Bibles  and 
Testaments  either  by  sale  or  donation.  I  also  dis- 
tributed religious  tracts  and  conversed  with  many  on 
the  interests  of  the  soul.  These  labors  have  tended  to 
interest  me  more  and  more  in  the  Bible  cause  and  in  the 
salvation  of  sinners,  and  I  hope  that  they  may  yet  re- 
sult in  lasting  good  to  others.'  Brother  Halsted  was 
employed  about  three  weeks ;  during  that  time  he 
traveleld  some  three  hundred  miles,  visited  about  two 
hundred  families  and  distributed  near  one  hundred  Bi- 
bles and  Testaments." 

It  will  be  unnecessary  to  minutely  trace  the  onward 
course  of  this  Society  during  the  three  subsequent  years 
of  this  decade.  It,  however,  continued  its  benevolent 
work  until  the  Autumn  of  1858,  when  it  was  deliber- 
ately disbanded,  there  seeming  to  be  no  further  neces- 
sity for  a  denominational  society  of  this  character. 
The  field  of  its  successful  efforts,  was  now  comparative- 
ly supplied  and  facilities  for  meeting  any  new  or  dis- 
covered want,  were  numerous  and  ample.  As  the  last 
act  of  the  Society  before  adjourning  sine  die,  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions,  after  a  free  and  full  discussion,  were 
adopted  :  "  Resolved,  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Socie- 
ty, be  and  is  hereby  authorized  after  cancelling  all  the 
debts  of  the  Society,  to  pay  the  balance  of  the  funds  in 
his  hands  to  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society ; 
also  that  Rev.  Charles  Miller,  a  pioneer  minister  of  the 
Association,  be  authorized  to  receive  and  distribute  by 


FIFTH    DECADE.  73 

sale  or  gift,  the  balance  of  Bibles  and  Testaments  now 
belonging  to  this  Society."  Thus  commenced,  con- 
tinued and  closed  the  Lackawanna  and  Lackawaxen 
Bible  Society,  one  of  the  distinguishing  features  of  the 
fifth  decade  of  the  Association. 
7 


HISTORICAL    SKETCHES 
OF  THE  SEVERAL  CHURCHES. 


The  thirty-five  Churches  that  follow,  have  been 
sketched  in  the  order  of  their  recognition.  The  his- 
tory of  each  has  been  traced  from  its  origin  until  the 
Autumn  of  1857,  excepting  in  the  case  of  three  dis- 
banded before,  and  three  organized  after  that  date. 
The  Second  Clifford  Church  became  extinct  in  1850 ; 
the  Herrick,  and  Mt.  Pleasant  in  1851.  The  Falls 
Church  lives  in  the  Newton,  and  the  Lebanon  in  its 
original  designation.  The  history  of  the  Preston  Cen- 
tre, Barryville  and  Shohola,  and  Scranton  Churches, 
is  commenced  with  their  origin  in  1858-9,  and  continued 
until  the  Fall  of  1863.  The  Eaton,  Welsh,  Callicoon, 
and  Jackson  and  Gibson  Churches,  once  connected  with 
this  body,  have  been  dismissed  to  unite  with  other  As- 
sociations. Their  history,  therefore,  has  been  omitted 
as  not  belonging  to  this  Association. 

PALMYRA  CHURCH. 

The  "  Lackawa  Settlement," — now  Paupack — com- 
menced in  1774,  was  among  the  earliest  settlements 
made  in  north-eastern  Pennsylvania.  It  was  situated 
in  Northampton — now  Pike  county — on  the  south- 
eastern side  of  the  Wallenpaupack  creek,  some  five 
miles  above  its  confluence  with  the  Lackawaxen.     The 


76'  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

Indian  path  leading  from  "fair  Wyoming  on  Susquehan- 
na's side"  to  "  Coshutunk" — now  Cochecton — on  the 
Delaware,  passed  through  this  ancient  settlement.  The 
pioneer  population  were  chiefly  from  Connecticut,  and 
took  an  active  part  in  the  unnatural  war  carried  on 
between  the  "Yankees"  and  "Pennamites,"  as  well  as 
in  the  nobler  struggle  for  national  independence.  Soon 
after  the  peace  of  the  nation  and  neighborhood  was 
secured,  the  tide  of  imigration,  stayed  for  a  time,  again 
began  to  set  in,  and  a  number  of  families,  some  of  whom 
were  Baptists,  settled  in  the  place  and  immediate  vicin- 
ity. 

In  1788,  Mr.  Silas  Purdy,  who  had  been  an  officer  in 
our  revolutionary  struggle,  moved  from  Orange  county, 
N.  Y.,  and  settled  with  his  family  in  the  wilderness 
some  two  miles  nearly  north  of  the  "Lackawa  Settle- 
ment," on  the  north-western  bank  of  the  Wallenpaupack. 
He  entertained  Baptist  sentiments  and  a  hope  in  Christ, 
but  was  not  a  communicant  of  any  church.  His  wife 
was  a  regular  member  of  the  Baptist  church  in  the 
place  from  which  they  had  emigrated.  In  1792,  Mr. 
William  Purdy  settled  with  his  family  about  two  miles 
north  of  his  brother  Silas,  on  a  large  tract  of  wild  land 
which  he  had  previously  purchased.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber and  a  licentiate  of  the  Pleasant  Valley  Baptist 
Church,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Hudson  from  his 
late  home  in  Orange  county,  N.  Y.  His  wife  and  one 
or  two  of  his  children  were  also  members  of  the  church. 
He  at  once  commenced  preaching  in  his  immediate 
neighborhood,  and  soon  extended  his  labors  into  adja- 
cent settlements. 

The  Purdy  Settlement  situated  in  Palmyra,  Wayne 


PALMYRA    CHURCH.  77 

county,  was  occasionally  visited  by  various  ministers  of 
the  Baptist  denomination.  In  1800,  Rev.  Lebbeus 
Lathrop  of  Orange  county,  N.  Y.,  preached  in  the 
place  and  baptized  Silas  Purdy,  Jr.,  Jacob  Purdy,  Miss 
Jane  Purdy  and  the  wife  of  Wm.  Purdy,  Jr.,  with  one 
other.  In  the  Spring  of  1801,  as  is  believed,  Rev. 
Epaphras  Thompson  of  Mt.  Pleasant,  also  preached  in 
the  settlement  and  baptized  Miss  Phebe  Purdy.  In 
September  of  that  year,  the  Palmyra  Baptist  Church 
was  recognized  with  fifteen  constituent  members,  by  a 
council  convened  for  that  purpose.  Mr.  William  Purdy 
was  also  ordained  on  the  same  day  as  pastor  of  this 
infant  church,  Revs.  Epaphras  Thompson,  John  Caton 
of  Brookfield,  N.  Y.,  and  William  Bishop  of  the  Lacka- 
wanna Valley,  officiating  on  this  interesting  occasion. 
Mr.  Purdy  immediately  baptized  three  of  his  own  sons, 
namely,  William,  Ebenezer,  and  James. 

Soon  after  its  organization  Messrs.  Asa  Cobb,  Daniel 
Bowers  and  Asa  Jones  were  appointed  Deacons  of  this 
church.  The  subject  of  doctrine  and  discipline  was 
next  introduced.  In  1802  the  church  resolved  to  hold 
communion  at  the  Lord's  table  with  none  except  bap- 
tized believers,  and  in  the  following  year,  that  it  is  the 
duty  of  every  male  member  who  is  head  of  a  family,  to 
maintain  domestic  worship,  and  that  the  female  mem- 
bers ought  to  pray  daily  in  secret.  The  church  also 
voted  that  the  moderator  be  instructed  to  make  strict  in- 
quiry of  all  the  members,  once  in  three  months,  whether 
they  have  complied  with  the  requirements  of  these  reso- 
lutions. In  addition  the  church  appointed  an  annual 
meeting  to  be  held  on  the  last  Thursday  of  October,  at 
which  all  of  the  members  were  expected  to  be  present  if 


78  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

possible,  and  participate  personally  in  the  exercises. 
In  1804,  covenant  meetings  were  appointed  to  be  held 
on  the  last  Saturday  of  each  month,  commencing  at 
precisely  2  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

On  the  26th  of  December,  1807,  this  church  united 
with  the  Abington  and  Mt.  Pleasant  Churches,  in  form- 
ing the  Abington  Association.  Rev.  Wm.  Purdy  and 
Wm.  Purdy,  Jr.,  represented  the  church  on  that  occa- 
sion. 

In  the  Fall  of  1810,  the  church  reported  to  the  As- 
sociation 47  as  their  total  membership,  about  30  of 
whom  had  been  added  by  baptism.  In  the  following 
year  the  church  again  tightened  the  reins  of  discipline, 
when  it  was  resolved  that  any  member  who  is  absent 
from  covenant  meeting,  must  render  the  reason  for  such 
absence  at  the  ensuing  monthly  meeting.  From  this 
date  until  1817,  the  church  remained  nearly  stationary 
as  to  numbers  and  perhaps  graces.  Few  changes  oc- 
curred and  little  was  accomplished.  In  1818  it  shared 
with  most  of  the  other  churches  composing  the  Associa- 
tion in  a  refreshing  shower  of  reviving  influences, 
greatly  strengthening  its  graces  and  increasing  its  effi_ 
ciency.  They  reported  to  the  Association  of  this  year 
eighteen  received  by  baptism,  and  64  as  their  total 
membership.  This  was,  however,  the  culminating  point 
in  their  numerical  prosperity.  In  the  following  year 
they  reported  but  two  added  by  baptism  and  eleven 
dismissed  by  letter,  reducing  their  number  to  54.  A 
calm  more  to  be  dreaded  than  a  storm  now  followed. 
From  this  time  until  1823  few  changes  occurred  in  the 
church  of  especial  interest  or  Importance.  The  year 
1824  was  marked  by  the  death  of  Rev.  Wm.  Purdy, 


PALMYRA    CHURCH.  79 

the  worthy  pastor  of  the  church  from  its  organization, 
a  period  of  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century.  During  that 
time  he  had  faithfully  preached  the  "  glorious  Gospel" 
and  baptized  some  forty  converts  ;  sympathized  with 
them  in  their  joys  and  sorrows  ;  married  their  chil- 
dren and  buried  their  dead.  They  reported  to  the 
Association  of  that  year,  48  as  their  total  membership, 
and  returned  Mr.  George  Dobeil  as  a  licentiate  and 
supply  of  the  church. 

Mr.  Dobell  continued  to  supply  the  church  with, 
general  acceptance,  occasionally  aided  and  encouraged 
by  the  presence  and  preaching  of  neighboring  pastors. 
In  1829  he  was  ordained  as  pastor  of  the  church  and  he 
continued  to  sustain  that  relation  until  1840,  a  period  of 
some  eleven  years.  During  this  time  some  of  the  churches 
belonging  to  the  Association,  were  greatly  agitated  by 
the  anti-mission  leaven,  creating  unpleasant  divisions 
and  measurably  retarding  their  spiritual  prosperity.  A 
party  was  formed  and  organized  at  Abington  as  an 
"  Old  School"  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Wm.  House  also 
headed  a  party  at  Providence,  in  the  Lackawanna  Val- 
ley, and  Mr  Dobell  exerted  his  influence  in  the  same 
direction  at  Palmyra,  almost  rending  and  nearly  ruining 
the  church.  The  occasional  visits,  however,  of  neigh- 
boring ministers  was  the  means  of  saving  it  from  utter 
extinction,  and  staying  the  blighting  influence  of  "  Old 
Schoolism."  The  following  extract  from  the  letter  of 
the  Palmyra  Church  to  the  Association  in  1837  will 
perhaps  furnish  a  fair  specimen  of  the  temper  and 
tendency  of  this  anti-mission  movement.  After  confess- 
ing their  "  coldness,  stupidity  and  barrenness,"  they 
say  "  we  feel  aggrieved  by  some  of  the  proceedings  of 


80  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

this  Association.  Some  of  our  brethren  have  seen  fit 
to  adopt  a  number  of  new  modes  or  societies  recom- 
mended and  practiced  by  some  of  our  sister  churches. 
We  cannot  go  into  these  new  modes  which  the  Associa- 
tion has  adopted  or  recommended,  since  we  can  find 
neither  example  nor  precept  in  the  Word  of  God  to 
justify  them." 

From  1840  to  '52  the  church  was  destitute  of  a 
settled  pastor  and  stated  preaching,  but  during  that 
time  it  maintained  a  feeble  existence  and  occasionally 
represented  itself  to  the  Association  by  letter  and  dele- 
gates. In  the  Summer  and  Autumn  of  the  latter  year 
Rev.  L.  L.  Still  preached  for  them  frequently,  and  Rev. 
Henry  Curtis  also  visited  them  occasionally.  The 
faithful  labors  of  these  brethren  were  measurably  bless- 
ed and  the  church  was  somewhat  aroused  and  revived. 
They  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association  of  that  year, 
"  that  the  voice  of  the  turtle  is  again  heard  in  our 
land ;  seven  converts  have  been  planted  in  the  likeness 
of  the  Saviour's  death,  and  others  seem  inclined  to  fol- 
low in  the  same  consecrated  path."  Rev.  Sanford 
Leach  supplied  them  a  portion  of  the  time  in  1853,  and 
extended  his  labors  into  the  Spring  of  the  following 
year.  They  reported  to  the  Association  in  the  former 
year  11  added  by  baptism  and  42  as  their  total 
membership,  and  also  said  in  their  letter  that  they  had 
heard  the  songs  of  the  redeemed  and  again  witnessed 
the  prosperity  of  Zion.  In  the  Spring  of  1854,  Rev. 
Newell  Callender  was  engaged  as  a  supply  and  soon 
after  ordained  as  pastor  of  the  church.  His  labors 
were  greatly  prospered.  They  reported  to  the  Asso- 
ciation in  the  Fall  of  that  year  17  received  by  baptism 


PALMYRA    CHURCH.  81 

and  18  dismissed  by  letter  to  form  a  new  church  at 
"  Jones'  Settlement,"  some  seven  miles  west,  leaving 
44  as  their  total  membership.  They  also  said  in  their 
letter  that  they  had  enjoyed  two  precious  revivals  dur- 
ing the  past  year.  Again,  in  1855  they  say  that  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  seems  to  be  still  enjoyed.  Their 
covenant  and  prayer  meetings  are  well  attended  and  are 
usually  seasons  of  much  interest.  They  have  been 
deprived  by  sickness,  of  the  labors  of  their  pastor  since 
the  first  of  June,  but  they  hope  that  he  may  soon  be 
restored  to  his  wonted  health.  Six  beloved  members 
have  died,  among  whom  were  Reuben  and  Solomon 
Purely,  pillars  in  the  church  since  its  organization. 
Rev.  0.  L.  Hall  of  Hollisterville,  supplied  them  one- 
half  of  the  time  during  the  following  Winter.  They 
say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association  in  1856,  that  they 
have  enjoyed  uninterrupted  peace  and  harmony  during 
the  year  and  that  they  are  supplied  at  present  by  Mr. 
J.  M.  Ball,  whom  they  have  licensed  to  preach  the 
Gospel.  Finally  in  1857,  they  reported  36  as  their 
total  membership,  and  acknowledged  their  gratitude  to 
God  for  the  mercies  of  the  past  year ;  yet  they  re- 
gretted that  Zion  has  slept  and  the  prayer  meeting  has 
been  neglected.  Mr.  J.  M.  Ball  continues  to  preach 
for  them  once  in  two  weeks  with  general  acceptance. 


82  HISTORICAL    CHURCHES^ 

FIRST  ABINGTON  CHURCH. 

Most  of  the  early  settlers  in  Tunkhannock,  now  Ab- 
ington,  entertained  Baptist  sentiments.  Mr.  William 
Clark,  his  wife  and  son  Jeremiah,  who  had  settled  in 
this  wilderness  in  1800,  were  esteemed  members  of  the 
Baptist  Church  at  Plainfield,  Conn.,  whence  they  had 
emigrated.  In  the  following  year  they  were  joined  in 
the  settlement  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Dean  with  his  family, 
who  was  also  a  worthy  member  of  the  Baptist  church 
at  Exeter,  Rhode  Island.  In  February,  1802,  Mr.  John 
Miller  with  his  family  and  a  few  other  Baptist  members 
also  settled  in  Abington.  Meetings  for  singing,  prayer 
and  exhortation  were  now  established  and  sustained  as  a 
means  of  mutual  comfort  and  encouragement.  On  the 
22d  of  May  following,  Rev.  Samuel  Sturdevant  visited 
the  place  and  preached  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Clark, 
when  the  following  brethren  and  sisters  were  organized 
as  a  church,  viz.,  Jonathan  Dean,  Wm.  Clark,  John 
Miller,  Geo.  Gardener,  Jeremiah  Clark,  Mary  Clark, 
Polly  Miller,  Russel  Hall  and  Alice  Lewin.  Polly 
Hall  "  covenanted  to  walk  with  them  so  far  as  light 
should  appear,"  and  Samuel  and  Mary  Wall  were 
"  willing  to  travel  with  this  people  in  the  public  worship 
of  God."  The  following  covenant  was  produced  at  this 
meeting  and  adopted  as  a  bond  of  union  and  rule  of 
conduct,  viz.,  "  We  do  voluntarily  covenant  with  each 
other  to  maintain  the  cause  and  interest  of  our  blessed 
Redeemer  as  we  may  be  assisted  by  Divine  grace,  mak- 
ing the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  the 
rule  of  our  faith  and  practice ;  to  watch  over  each  other 
for  good,  and  to  attend  to  all  the  laws  and  ordinances 


FIRST   ABINGTON     CHURCH.  83 

of  God's  house,  and  also  to  keep  up  religious  worship  in 
our  families  by  vocal  prayer." 

In  June  following,  Mr.  John  Miller  "  began  to  im- 
prove his  gift  by  way  of  preaching."  Under  his  zeal- 
ous labors  "  a  reformation  commenced,"  and  during  the 
Summer  a  number  of  the  impenitent  were  hopefully 
converted.  At  a  covenant  meeting  held  on  the  4th  of 
September  subsequent,  Samuel  Hall  related  his  re- 
ligious exercises  and  submitted  himself  to  the  watch- 
care  of  the  church.  Also,  on  the  3d  of  October 
following,  after  the  members  had  "  renewed  covenant 
with  a  good  degree  of  union  and  comfort,  John  Lewin, 
Stephen  Parker,  Henry  Hall,  John  Clark  and  Jacob 
Ormsby  told  their  experience  and  they  were  received 
with  satisfaction."  Again  on  the  6th  of  November 
following,  James  Dean  and  Sheldon  Wall ;  and  on  the 
evening  of  the  next  day  Phineas  Reynolds,  Freelove 
Reynolds,  and  Mercy  Hall,  related  their  exercises  and 
"  dedicated  themselves  to  the  Lord,  to  the  satisfaction 
and  fellowship  of  the  brethren."  None  of  these,  how- 
ever, were  baptized  as  we  can  learn,  there  being  no  one 
in  the  place  qualified  to  administer  that  ordinance. 

It  was  now  decided  to  call  a  council  of  recognition. 
Accordingly  various  brethren  were  invited  from  neigh- 
boring Baptist  churches  and  convened,  November  17th, 
1802,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Wm.  Clark  in  Abington, 
Luzerne  county,  Penna.,  "to  view  their  order"  and 
give  them  fellowship  as  a  Gospel  church.  The  council 
was  composed  of  brethren  from  churches  as  follows, 
viz.,  Rev.  Samuel  Sturdevant  from  Usher ;  Mr.  Davis 
Dimock  from  Exeter ;  Rev.  Wm.  Bishop  and  Mr.  Na- 
thaniel Giddings  from  Pittston  and  Providence ;  Rev. 


84  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

Win.  Purdy,  Deas.  Asa  Cobb  and  Daniel  Bowers  from 
Palmyra;  Messrs.  Usher  Moore,  James  Hulse  and 
Sylvanus  Southworth  from  Brookfield,  N.  Y.,  Rev. 
Wm.  Purdy  officiating  as  moderator  and  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Biddings  acting  as  clerk.  Nine  persons,  five  males  and 
four  females, — the  same  with  substituting  the  name  of 
Mary  Parker  for  that  of  Russel  Hall,  who  had  previ- 
ously organized  as  a  church, — presented  themselves  with 
their  letters  of  commendation  and  Articles  of  Faith  for. 
recognition.  After  private  consultation  the  council, 
however,  decided  that  the  number  of  communicants 
were  not  sufficient  to  entitle  them  to  recognition.  It 
was  then  proposed  to  suitably  increase  the  number  by 
baptizing  such  of  the  converts  "  as  might  feel  a  free- 
dom to  go  forward"  in  that  ordinance.  Accordingly  six 
young  men  as  follows,  viz.,  John  Lewin,  James  Dean, 
Jacob  Ormsby,  Henry  Hall,  John  Clark  and  Phineas 
Reynolds,  "voluntarily  presented  themselves  and  re- 
lated their  experience  to  general  satisfaction."  These 
were  baptized  on  the  morning  of  the  following  day  by 
Rev.  Samuel  Sturdevant  and  recognized  with  the  "nine 
covenanted  members,"  by  the  council,  as  the  Abington 
Baptist  Church.  "  The  church,"  as  the  record  runs, 
"  then  proceeded  to  call  Mr.  John  Miller  to  the  minis- 
try of  the  Word  and  present  him  to  the  council,  request- 
ing his  ordination  to  that  office."  After  the  usual 
examination  he  was  ordained  according  to  request  as 
follows,  viz.,  Rev.  Samuel  Sturdevant  offered  the  con- 
secrating prayer ;  Rev.  Wm.  Bishop  gave  the  charge, 
and  Mr.  Davis  Dimock  made  the  concluding  prayer. 
Thus  closed  a  season  of  peculiar  interest  and  precious 
influence. 


FIRST   ABINGTON     CHURCH.  85 

From  this  time  until  the  formation  of  the  Association, 
December  26th,  1807,  the  church  moved  forward  in 
great  harmony  and  happiness  under  the  pastoral  labors 
of  Mr.  Miller,  lengthening  its  cords  and  strengthening 
its  stakes.  During  that  period  upwards  of  forty  were 
added  to  the  church  by  letter,  and  about  the  same  num- 
ber by  baptism,  increasing  its  membership  to  more  than 
one  hundred.  On  the  4th  of  December,  1802,  Mr. 
Jonathan  Dean  was  appointed  clerk  of  the  church,  and 
it  was  voted  that  the  members  bear  the  expenses  of  the 
church  in  proportion  to  their  ability  as  determined  by  a 
committee  chosen  for  that  purpose.  In  this  manner 
incidental  expenses  were  provided  for  from  time  to  time 
but  the  pastor  continued  to  labor  without  a  stated  sal- 
ary until  the  year  1806,  when  it  was  determined  to 
"  raise  the  sum  of  eighty  dollars  for  the  support  of  the 
Gospel."  This  amount  was  raised  from  year  to  year 
until  1810,  when  it  was  increased  to  one  hundred  dol- 
lars, half  to  be  paid  in  money  at  the  expiration  of  six 
months  and  the  balance  in  produce  at  the  close  of  the 
current  year.  Thus  a  partial  support  was  provided  for 
the  pastor  and  occasionally  enlarged  or  diminished  in 
proportion  to  the  means  and  liberality  of  the  members. 

During  this  period  the  church  greatly  enlarged  its 
bounds.  The  labors  of  the  pastor  were  not  confined  to 
his  immediate  neighborhood  but  were  extended  to  adja- 
cent settlements.  The  Baptist  church  at  Pittston  hav- 
ing become  few  in  numbers,  fourteen  of  the  remaining 
members  at  their  request,  were  received,  May  17th, 
1806,  as  a  branch  of  this  church,  with  the  privilege  of 
holding  covenant  meetings  and  enjoying  occasional 
preaching.     At  a  meeting  for  business,   March  21st, 


86  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

1807,  the  church  appointed  "  meetings  for  public  wor- 
ship for  the  ensuing  year  as  follows,  viz.,  one  half  of 
the  time  at  the  Middle  Settlement ;  one  fourth  at  the 
West  Settlement,  and  one  fourth  at  the  East  Settlement 
and  Elkwoods  with  supplies  at  Pittston,  Thornbottom 
and  mouth  of  Tunkhannock."  This  arrangement  with 
slight  modifications  was  continued  until  branches  were 
formed,  and  churches  were  finally  organized  at  all  of 
these  out-stations  except  Thornbottom — here  the  thorns 
choked  the  Word  and  it  became  unfruitful. 

From  the  constitution  of  the  Association  to  the 
Autumn  of  1817,  a  period  of  ten  years,  the  church 
continued  to  enjoy  a  measure  of  prosperity  under  the 
abundant  labors  of  the  pastor,  receiving  frequent  addi- 
tions by  letter  and  baptism  until  it  embraced  upwards 
of  200  communicants.  Unpleasant  cases,  however,  of 
difficulty  and  discipline  began  to  be  occasionally  intro- 
duced during  this  period,  which  still  mar  the  records 
of  the  church  and  reputation  of  the  dead.  The  pastor 
made  an  annual  report  of  his  various  labors,  at  the 
April  meeting  of  the  church,  when  he  was  invited  to 
continue  the  pastoral  charge,  and  a  committee  was 
chosen  to  determine  the  amount  of  his  salary,  and  make 
appointments  at  the  different  stations  for  the  ensuing 
year.  This  became  an  established  practice  of  the 
pastor  and  church.  Other  officers  were  also  chosen  as 
gifts  were  developed  and  necessity  demanded.  Messrs. 
Wm.  Clark  and  James  Hulse  were  appointed  Deacons  of 
the  church,  February  27th,  1808,  and  ordained  to  that 
office  on  the  3d  of  June  following,  Revs.  Elijah  Peck 
and  Epaphras  Thompson  officiating  on  that  occa- 
sion.    On  the  26th  of  November  ensuing  Mr.  Jeffrey 


FIRST   ABINGTON    CHURCH.  87 

Dean  was  chosen  clerk  of  the  church,  in  place  of  Jona- 
than Dean  resigned,  a  position  he  occupied  some  twenty 
years.  He  was  succeeded  in  1828  by  Mr.  Ezra  Wall, 
who  yielded  the  office  in  1832  to  Mr.  Win.  Dean, 
who  served  the  church  in  this  capacity  during  some 
twenty  years.  In  1852  Mr.  Joseph  B.  Miller  was 
chosen  to  that  office,  a  position  he  still  sustains. 
Assistant  clerks  were  also  appointed  from  time  to  time 
to  keep  a  record  of  the  business  meetings  at  the  various 
out-stations,  and  transmit  the  same  to  the  principal  clerk 
to  be  transfered  to  the  church  book.  These  assistant 
clerks  usually  officiated  as  Deacons  in  their  respective 
neighborhoods.  Mr.  John  Phillips  was  chosen  one  of 
the  principal  Deacons  of  the  church,  April  10th,  181 
and  ordained  to  that  office  at  the  session  of  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  following  Autumn. 

In  the  year  1814  and  '15  the  church  seems  to  have 
enjoyed  a  gentle  and  general  revival,  extending  to  dif- 
ferent and  distant  settlements  where  numbers  were 
baptized  and  added  to  the  various  branches  of  the  parent 
stock.  As  this  refreshing  was  preceded,  so  it  was  fol- 
lowed by  frequent  though  not  numerous  accessions  to 
the  membership  of  the  church. 

During  the  next  ten  years,  from  1817  to  '27,  some 
peculiar  trials  marked  the  course  of  the  church  and 
greatly  marred  its  internal  harmony.  Comparatively 
large  additions,  however,  were  occasionally  made,  as  well 
as  numerous  dismissions  granted,  thus  rising  and  falling 
in  its  numerical  prosperity.  In  the  Autumn  of  1818, 
the  church  reported  23  received  by  baptism  and  74  dis- 
missed by  letter,  chiefly  to  form  new  churches  at  Clif- 
ford and  Greenfield.    In  the  following  year,  14  and  in 


88  HISTORICAL     SKETCHES. 

1821,  43  were  received  by  baptism,  indicating  revival 
seasons.  On  the  27th  of  April,  1822,  Messrs.  Jeremiah 
G.  Northrop  and  Jeffrey  Dean  were  chosen  assistant 
Deacons ;  the  former,  after  having  purchased  to  himself 
"a  good  degree  and  great  boldness  in  the  faith,"  was 
gathered  to  his  fathers ;  the  latter  still  survives  and  is 
now  the  senior  Deacon  of  the  church,  a  man  naturally 
cautious  and  retiring,  but  graciously  wise  and  reliable. 
Since  his  appointment  to  that  office  other  faithful  men 
have  been  associated  with  him  in  "serving  tables."  Mr. 
Isaac  Tillinghast  was  Deacon  of  the  church  for  a  number 
of  years,  a  man  "  universally  esteemed."  He  was  one  of 
the  constituent  members  of  West  Abington  Church  and 
died  in  1852,  loved  and  lamented.  More  recently  Mr. 
Stephen  Wright,  and  "Joseph  and  Benjamin,"  twin 
sons  of  the  pastor,  have  also  served  the  cause  as 
faithful  and  efficient  Deacons. 

In  1824  some  eighteen  members  were  dismissed  to 
unite  with  others  in  forming  a  new  church  at  Eaton, 
opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Tunkhannock.  Early  in 
1825  a  protracted  difficulty  between  two  private  mem- 
bers foreshadowed  still  sorer  trials,  requiring  the  advice 
of  a  council  which  was  convened  in  April  of  that  year. 
In  1826  the  peace  of  the  church  and  popularity  of  the 
pastor,  were  greatly  endangered  by  floating  rumors  of 
conduct  as  monstrous  as  immoral.  After  exhausting 
the  prudence  and  patience  of  the  members,  a  council  of 
brethren  from  neighboring  churches,  was  convened  in 
August  of  that  year,  to  investigate  the  reports  and 
render  advice.  The  reports  were  considered  ground- 
less by  the  council,  and  present  danger  seemed  to  be 
averted,    but   other   difficulties   and   new  disaffections 


FIRST   ABINGTON    CHURCH.  89 

growing  out  of  these  and  previous  matters  in  dispute, 
another  council  was  convened  in  April,  1827,  but  fail- 
ing to  harmonize  contending  parties,  and  effect  an 
amicable  settlement,  the  difficulty  and  disaffection  con- 
tinued and  finally  culminated  in  the  exclusion  of  a  large 
number  of  valuable  members.  It  is  a  pleasant  relief  to 
return  from  these  painful  reminiscences  to  efforts  and 
evidences  of  prosperity  and  progress.  During  this  de- 
cade, perhaps  in  1820  and  '21,  the  church  erected  a 
plain  but  comfortable  house  of  worship,  situated  about 
a  half  mile  nearly  south-east  from  the  present  meeting 
house,  on  a  pleasant  and  picturesque  elevation  overlook- 
ing a  wide  range  of  field  and  forest,  the  first  built  by 
any  church  belonging  to  the  Association.  Previously 
to  this,  however,  individual  enterprise  had  erected  a 
convenient  house  of  worship  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the 
Moosic  mountain  near  the  banks  of  the  Delaware,  subse- 
quently owned  and  occupied  by  the  Damascus  Church. 
The  church  entered  on  the  next  ten  years,  from  1827 
to  '87,  in  the  midst  of  a  gracious  and  general  revival — 
the  seventh  enjoyed  since  its  organization.  This  work 
commenced  early  in  the  Winter  of  1827  at  the  "  Prickly 
Ash,"  on  the  southern  borders  of  Nicholson  township, 
in  a  conference  meeting,  and  continued  to  grad- 
ually spread  until  it  reached  the  various  portions  of  the 
church  and  aroused  the  whole  community.  In  January, 
1828,  eleven  persons  met  at  the  school  house  near  the 
meeting  house,  and  enjoyed  a  solemn  season  of  prayer 
and  confession.  Other  meetings  were  occasionally  held 
at  different  places,  the  interest  continuing  to  rise  until 
the  work  moved  forward  with  amazing  power,  reclaim- 
ing   the    wandering,    and    converting    the    impenitent. 


90  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

Some  60  were  baptized  by  the  pastor  in  one  month 
during  the  revival  and  received  into  the  church.  They 
reported  to  the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of  that  year, 
83  received  by  baptism,  and  244  as  their  total  member- 
ship. During  a  few  subsequent  years  occasional  ad- 
ditions were  made  by  baptism,  but  no  changes  of  espe- 
cial interest  marked  the  course  of  the  church  until 
1832,  when  36  members  were  dismissed  to  constitute 
the  Nicholson  Church,  now  Benton — reducing  its  mem- 
bership to  159.  This  loss,  however,  was  more  than  bal- 
anced by  the  accessions  of  the  following  year,  when  they 
reported  81  received  by  baptism  and  284  as  their  total 
membership.  They  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Associ- 
ation in  the  following  Autumn,  that  they  "  have  shared 
during  the  past  year  in  an  extensive  and  gracious  revi- 
val. Saints  have  been  refreshed  and  sinners  reclaimed. 
The  cause  of  temperance  has  also  made  cheering  pro- 
gress, and  a  spirit  of  missionary  enterprise  has  been 
manifested.  Three  Sabbath  schools  are  sustained  within 
the  bounds  of  the  church."  This  refreshing,  however, 
was  followed  by  what  the  pastor  quaintly  calls  the 
"anti-nomian  bustle,"  which  considerably  affected  the 
general  interests  of  the  church,  drying  up  and  drawing 
off  some  50  of  the  members,  who  were  finally  dropped  in 
1836,  having  previously  erected  their  standard  and  un- 
furled their  banner  as  an  "  Old  School"  Baptist 
church,  still  clinging  to  the  name  and  claiming  to  be  a 
continuation  of  the  Abington  Church.  Some  of  these 
"  signs  of  the  times,"  as  they  were  appropriately  term- 
ed, subsequently  became  dissatisfied  with  their  new  and 
negative  position  and  returned  from  time  to  time  to 
their  old  and  active  relations,  but  others  still  remained 


FIRST    ABIXGTON     CHURCH.  91 

away,  maintaining  a  separate  organization  and  conceal- 
ing a  dim  light  in  an  "  empty  pitcher."  The  Abington 
Church  proper  reported  to  the  Association  in  the  Au- 
tumn of  1837,  237  communicants,  and  said  in  their 
letter,  that  "  a  concert  of  prayer  had  been  held  in 
several  portions  of  the  church,  and  a  spirit  of  Missions 
successfully  cultivated.  Small  collections  had  been 
taken  for  the  Burman  Mission  and  some  funds  secured 
for  the  Bible  Society.  Sabbath  congregations  had 
been  larger  during  the  year  than  at  any  former 
period." 

The  first  half  of  the  next  ten  years,  from  1837  to 
'47,  was  marked  by  frequent  additions  and  uniform 
prosperity.  The  church  reported  to  the  Association  in 
the  Fall  of  1838,  eight  returned  from  the  "  Signs,"  45 
received  by  baptism  and  289  as  their  total  membership. 
This  revival  commenced  at  the  "Union  School  House," 
under  the  preaching  of  Rev.  James  Clark,  and  it  seems 
to  have  extended  under  the  labors  of  the  pastor  to  other 
portions  of  the  church.  It  continued,  abating  some- 
what in  1841,  until  the  Autumn  of  1843,  when  the 
church  embraced  324  communicants,  the  largest  num- 
ber reported  at  any  period  of  its  history.  They  say 
in  their  letter  to  the  Association  of  that  year,  that 
"  some  of  their  members  have  been  drawn  away;  others 
have  died  and  a  number  are  on  beds  of  sickness,  yet  a 
kind  Father  has  been  pleased  to  grant  the  visits  of  his 
grace  and  accessions  to  our  membership.  Brotherly 
love  continues  and  all  seem  to  be  '  endeavoring  to  keep 
the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.'  It  is  an 
occasion  of  gratitude  that  the  life  of  our  pastor  is  still 
spared  and  his  labors  are  still  enjoyed.     Having  culti- 


92  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

vated  this  field  upwards  of  forty  years,  it  is  surprising 
that  such  large  congregations  should  continue  to  attend 
his  stated  appointments  ;  larger  the  present  year  if  we 
are  not  mistaken  than  during  any  previous  one."  This, 
perhaps,  was  the  culminating  point  in  the  popularity 
of  the  pastor  as  well  as  in  the  numerical  prosperity  of 
the  church  while  under  his  protracted  ministry.  The 
following  three  years  were  remarkable  chiefly  for  the 
entire  absence  of  any  additions  by  baptism,  an  isolated 
instance  of  so  long  duration.  This  decade,  however, 
closed  with  an  extensive  revival.  In  the  Autumn  of 
1847,  the  church  reported  to  the  Association,  51  bap- 
tisms and  271  communicants,  being  apparently  reduced 
by  revising  the  list  of  members  and  erasing  a  number 
of  names  from  the  church  record. 

The  remaining  ten  years  of  the  history  of  this  church, 
from  1847  to  '57,  were  distinguished  by  various  changes — 
changes  of  pastor  and  policy  in  matters  of  minor  im- 
portance. A  new  generation  of  men,  in  part,  having 
arisen,  modified  measures  were  adopted,  perhaps  an  im- 
provement in  many  respects  on  the  past,  at  least  better 
adapted  to  the  present  tastes  and  wants  of  the  church 
and  community.  But  the  same  doctrines  were  preach- 
ed and  ordinances  practiced.  These  are  adapted  to  all 
times  and  places.  In  the  Fall  of  1848,  the  church 
reported  259  communicants  but  no  baptisms,  and  only 
three  the  following  year,  indicating  as  is  presumed,  the 
period  when  the  present  commodious  house  of  worship 
was  built  and  dedicated.  The  material,  and  spiritual 
temple  seldom  rise  side  by  side ;  the  one  usually  delays 
or  damages  the  other  ;  the  former  if  not  built  in  "  trou- 
blous times,"  frequently  produces  them.     The  pastor, 


FIRST   ABINGTON    CHURCH.  93 

from  his  advanced  age,  being  unable  to  meet  the  wants 
and  wishes  of  the  church  and  community,  in  the  Spring 
of  1850,  Rev.  Andrew  Hopper  became  associated  with 
him,  at  his  request,  in  the  pastoral  charge.  Under 
their  united,  though  not  always  harmonious  labors,  the 
cause  was  measurably  prospered  and  some  30  persons 
were  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  the  church,  increas- 
ing its  membership  to  307,  as  reported  to  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  following  Autumn.  In  December  of  that  year, 
55  members  took  letters  of  dismission  to  form  the  West 
Abington  Church,  and  Mr.  Hopper  resigned  his  co- 
pastorate  to  take  charge  of  the  new  church,  leaving 
Mr.  Miller  sole  pastor  of  the  old  church  and  reducing 
its  membership  by  these  and  subsequent  dismissions,  to 
231,  as  reported  to  the  Association,  in  the  Fall  of  1851. 
In  the  Summer  of  1852,  a  number  of  members  living  in 
the  "  Olmsted  Settlement,"  were  set  off  as  a  branch  of 
this  church;  in  the  following  Autumn  a  revival  com- 
menced at  that  place,  under  the  labors  of  Messrs. 
Charles  Parker  and  Benj.  Miller,  licentiates  of  the 
church,  and  continued  until  some  40  persons  were 
baptized  and  added  to  the  branch  in  that  "  settle- 
ment." 

In  the  Spring  of  1853,  Mr.  Miller  resigned  his 
charge  of  Abington  Church,  having  been  its  esteemed 
pastor  since  its  organization  in  1802,  a  period  of  more 
than  a  half  century.  During  that  time  the  church  had 
enjoyed  some  fourteen  general  revivals  and  received 
into  its  fellowship  by  baptism  upwards  of  six  hundred 
members.  The  church  had  also  dismissed  members  to 
form  six  whole  churches  and  parts  of  six  others,  and 
raised  up  and  licensed  some  seven  brethren  to  preach 


94  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

the  Gospel,  most  of  whom  were  subsequently  ordained 
and  settled  as  pastors  of  Baptist  churches.  Indeed,  few 
ministers  have  labored  so  long  on  the  same  field  with 
an  equal  degree  of  efficiency  and  success. 

Rev.  Charles  A.  Fox  became  the  second  pastor  of 
this  church  in  the  Spring  of  1853,  dividing  his  labors 
between  this  and  the  West  Abington  Church,  a  relation 
he  still  sustains  with  ample  ability  and  general  accep- 
tance. In  the  Summer  following  his  settlement,  50 
members  were  dismissed  to  form  the  Mt.  Bethel  Church 
in  the  "  Olmsted  Settlement."  The  old  church  report- 
ed to  the  Association  in  the  following  Autumn,  24  bap- 
tisms and  172  communicants,  and  also  said  in  their 
letter  that  "  in  the  early  part  of  the  past  Winter,  our 
prayer  meetings  became  more  frequent  and  interesting. 
The  Spirit  of  God  came  gently  down  upon  the  people, 
and  some  of  our  children  and  neighbors  began  to  in- 
quire the  way  to  Zion,  and  a  few  souls  have  been  made 
to  rejoice  in  God  as  the  rock  of  their  salvation."  Dur- 
ing the  following  year  a  united  effort  was  made  to 
restore  a  healthy  discipline  and  secure  a  living  member- 
ship. In  the  latter  part  of  Summer  and  earlier  part  of 
Autumn,  earnestness  in  prayer,  fervor  in  preaching,  and 
attention  in  hearing,  indicated  an  approaching  revival. 
At  times  the  cloud  seemed  ready  to  break  and  the 
shower  to  descend,  yet  the  vision  tarried  and  the  blessing 
was  withheld.  At  length  in  February,  1855,  the  gath- 
ering cloud  of  mercy  broke  and  a  refreshing  shower 
descended  on  the  thirsty  soil,  causing  the  seeds  of  truth 
to  germinate  and  plants  of  grace  to  grow.  Some  thirty 
were  hopefully  converted,  most  of  whom  united  with 
the  church ;  a  number  of  wanderers  were  reclaimed  and 


FIRST   ABINGTON    CHURCH.  95 

the  brethren  were  greatly  strengthened  and  encouraged. 
The  church  reported  to  the  Association  in  the  Fall  of 
that  year,  21  baptisms  and  143  communicants,  and  said 
in  their  letter,  that  "  no  intoxicating  drinks  are  sold  in 
our  village  and  very  few  profane  the  name  of  God, 
owing,  we  think,  to  the  influence  of  truth,  as  professed 
and  presented  by  the  church,  the  only  necessary  organi- 
zation for  the  regeneration  of  the  world."  The  follow- 
ing extract  from  their  letter  to  the  Association  will, 
perhaps,  fairly  close  this  extended  sketch.  They  said 
in  1856,  that  they  could  not  report  that  degree  of  con- 
secration to  God  or  enjoyment  in  his  service  that  they 
would  desire,  yet  they  were  united  even  in  their  coldness 
and  were  doing  something  for  objects  of  Christian  benevo- 
lence on  a  systematic  plan.  They  deprecated  the  efforts 
making  for  the  extension  of  slavery  in  our  land  and  the 
kindred  tendency  of  the  rum  power.  Again,  in  1857, 
they  said  that  they  were  constrained  to  acknowledge 
the  wonderful  mercy  of  God  toward  them  through  all 
their  ups  and  downs  during  the  past  half  century. 
They  met  with  the  Association  for  the  fiftieth  time, 
never  having  failed  since  its  organization.  On  the  26th 
of  December  of  this  year,  a  Jubilee  Meeting  was  held 
with  this  church  to  celebrate  the  Semi-Centennial  Anni- 
versary of  the  Association,  the  pastor  of  the  church  pre- 
siding on  that  interesting  occasion,  one  long  to  be 
remembered  by  those  who  were  present,  but  repeated, 
perhaps,  by  none.  This  church  is  the  prolific  mother 
of  churches,  the  Banyan  tree  of  this  fruitful  region, 

"  Branching  so  broad  along  that  in  the  ground 
The  bending  twigs  take  root ;  and  daughters  grow 
About  the  mother  tree  ;  a  pillar'd  shade, 
High  over-arch'd,  with  echoing  walks  between."  j 


96  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 


MOUNT  PLEASANT  CHURCH. 

Many  of  the  pioneers  of  Mt.  Pleasant  entertained 
Baptist  sentiments.  Mr.  Samuel  Stanton,  the  first  set- 
tler in  the  place,  came  from  Preston,  Connecticut,  and  in 
the  Spring  of  1791,  settled  with  his  family  in  this  wilder- 
ness. He  and  his  wife  were  Free  Communion  Baptists. 
They  were  joined  in  the  settlement  from  time  to  time 
by  various  persons  of  the  same  faith,  chiefly  from  New 
England.  "In  the  Spring  of  1793,  the  public  worship 
of  God  on  the  Sabbath  was  commenced  in  the  settle- 
ment. Having  no  minister  of  the  Gospel  to  preach  for 
them,  they  read  and  listened  to  printed  discourses." 
At  the  request  of  Mr.  Stanton  and  others,  *Rev.  David 

*  Mr.  David  Jayne  was  born  in  Goshen,  N.  Y.,  in  1750.  He  commenced 
preaching  at  Wantage,  N.  J.,  in  1782,  and  was  at  this  time,  as  the  record  runs, 
"  very  popular  among  one  class  of  hearers,  owing  as  is  presumed  to  manage- 
ments of  voice,  exercises  of  body  and  configurations  of  aspect,  after  the  man- 
ner of  the  separatists."  According  to  the  same  authority,  he  was  ordained  to 
the  ministry  in  1783  at  Lower  Smithfield,  Northampton  county,  Pennsylvania. 
His  name  appears  in  the  minutes  of  the  Philadelphia  Association,  as  pastor  of 
the  Baptist  church  in  that  place,  from  the  time  of  its  recognition  in  1781  until 
1799.  He  was  subsequently  settled  at  New  Bedford— now  Owego,  N.  Y.,  and 
reported  in  the  minutes  of  the  Chemung  Association  in  1806  and  '7,  as  pastor 
of  the  infant  church  of  that  place;  in  1809  the  following  warning  was  pub- 
lished in  the  minutes  of  that  body :— "  This  Association  warns  all  churches 
and  the  Baptists  in  general  against  David  Jayne,  formerly  in  connection  with 
us  but  now  expelled  from  the  church  at  Owego,  for  holding  and  preaching 
that  the  wicked  have  no  immortal  part  and  will  be  annihilated  at  the  day  of 
judgment."  In  a  journal  ke^t  by  Rev.  John  Lawton,  of  a  missionary  tour 
made  in  the  Summer  of  1811,  in  south-western  New  York  and  north-eastern 
Pennsylvania,  incidental  allusion  is  made  to  the  same  name  and  perhaps  per- 
son, in  the  following  severe  language :— "  This  church,"— Candor,  N.  Y.— 
"  has  passed  through  great  trials  and  has  excluded  a  number  of  its  members 
on  account  of  their  adherence  to  David  Jayne  and  his  odious  tenets."  It  is 
believed,  however,  that  Mr.  Jayne  was  subsequently  reclaimed  from  his  errors 
and  restored  to  his  ministry  and  membership.  After  living  for  many  years 
in  New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  he  returned  to  New  Jersey  where  he  resumed 
his  ministerial  labors  and  finally  died  in  the  affection  and  confidence  of  his 
Christian  brethren. 


MOUNT    PLEASANT    CHURCH.  97 

Jayne,  a  minister  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  visited 
the  place  and  preached  to  the  people.  It  is  believed 
that  this  was  the  first  sermon  ever  preached  in  the  set- 
tlement. On  the  28th  of  June,  1796,  the  following 
persons  organized  as  a  "  Free  Communion  Baptist 
Church"  in  Upper  Smithfield,  Northampton,  now  Mt. 
Pleasant,  Wayne  county,  Pennsylvania,  viz.,  Samuel 
Stanton,  Joseph  Tanner,  Martha  Stanton,  Lydia  Tan- 
ner, Margaret  Dix  and  Rhoda  Stearns. 

In  the  Autumn  of  1800,  Rev.  Epaphras  Thompson, 
a  regular  Baptist  minister  from  Bristol,  Connecticut, 
came  into  the  "Beech  Woods"  and  commenced  preach- 
ing at  Mt.  Pleasant.  His  sermons  were  highly  prized, 
and  it  was  proposed  to  secure  his  permanent  services, 
but  not  agreeing  with  the  leading  members  of  this  little 
band,  in  his  views  on  the  limitations  of  communion,  the 
proposed  settlement  was  indefinitely  postponed.  By 
request,  however,  he  held  "an  argument"  with  Mr. 
Stanton  on  the  communion  question,  "  which  ended  in 
strife  and  confusion."  They  now  agreed  to  separate, 
and  Mr.  Thompson  preached  his  farewell  sermon,  in- 
tending to  retire  from  the  field,  but  finally  a  compro- 
mise was  effected  between  the  contending  parties,  and 
he  consented  to  remain  and  resume  his  labors.  Unbap- 
tized  persons  were  not  to  be  admitted  to  communion  in 
the  church,  but  members  were  to  be  at  liberty  to  com- 
mune with  other  denominations  at  their  pleasure  or 
convenience.  With  this  understanding  the  church  was 
re-organized  and  Mr.  Thompson  and  others  became 
members.  It  now  embraced  14  communicants  and  was 
styled  the  "First  Baptist  Church  of  Wayne  county." 

Mr.  Thompson  having  accepted  the  pastoral  charge 
9 


98  HISTORICAL     SKETCHES. 

of  the  church,  settled  with  his  family  in  the  place  and 
resumed  his  labors  with  renewed  zeal  and  efficiency. 
His  efforts  were  greatly  blessed  and  an  extensive  revi- 
val immediately  followed.  The  work  of  grace  commenced 
in  the  settlement,  continued  to  spread,  and  the  church 
to  expand  until  with  its  branches,  it  embraced  upwards 
of  200  communicants,  scattered  over  a  wide  range  of  this 
wild  region.  Besides  sustaining  regular  appointments 
in  the  settlement,  meetings  were  occasionally  held 
on  the  Sabbath  and  during  the  week  in  private  dwell- 
ings at  various  out-stations  in  order  to  accommodate 
the  scattered  membership  and  benefit  remote  as  well  as 
adjacent  neighborhoods.  To  supply  the  increasing 
wants  of  this  extensive  field,  a  number  of  gifted  persons 
residing  at  different  points,  were  ordained  as  Evangelists 
and  sent  forth  to  preach  the  Gospel  among  the  pioneer 
population  scattered  along  the  Delaware  and  Susque- 
hanna slopes  of  the  Moosic  mountain.  Messrs.  Joseph 
Reader  of  Mt.  Pleasant,  and  Gideon  Lewis  of  "  Elk- 
woods,"  were  the  first  set  apart  to  this  office  and  ap- 
pointed to  this  work.  In  June  of  1806,  Mr.  Elijah 
Peck  of  Mt.  Pleasant,  and  about  the  same  time,  Messrs. 
Enoch  Owen  of  Cochecton  and  Ebenezer  Ingraham 
"  recently  from  Nine  Partners,"  were  also  ordained  as 
Evangelists. 

But  in  the  midst  of  this  ample  provision  and  general 
prosperity,  the  communion  controversy  was  again  open- 
ed and  agitated  in  the  church.  A  majority  being  secured 
in  favor  of  "free  communion,"  it  was  now  adopted  as  a 
"  sentiment"  by  a  vote  of  the  members.  In  consequence 
of  this  retrograde  movement,  Messrs.  Thompson  and 
Peck  with  six  others,  obtained  letters  of  dismission  and 


MOUNT  PLEASANT  CHURCH.  99 

organized  on  the  16th  of  September,  1807,  as  an  inde- 
pendent body.  On  the  9th  of  October  following,  they 
were  recognized  as  the  "  Strict  Baptist  Church  of  Mt. 
Pleasant,"  by  a  council  of  brethren  convened  for  that 
purpose  from  Abington  and  Palmyra  churches.  The 
names  of  the  constituent  members  were  as  follows,  viz., 
Epaphras  Thompson,  Elijah  Peck,  Samuel  Torrey, 
Benj.  Newton,  Rhoda  Stearns,  Elizabeth  Torrey,  Phebe 
Newton  and  Rhoda  Kennedy.  Revs.  Wm.  Purdy, 
John  Miller  and  others,  were  present  and  participated 
in  the  services  of  recognition.  The  storm  having  passed 
and  the  waters  subsided,  the  ark  now  rested  on  Mt. 
Pleasant,  "  wherein  few,  that  is  eight  souls,  were 
saved." 

Thus  originated  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Church  proper ; 
its  progress  and  decline  will  be  sketched  in  the  follow- 
ing pages.  The  church  immediately  adopted  such  mea- 
sures and  employed  such  means  as  were  designed  to 
promote  its  interests  at  home  and  extend  its  influence 
abroad.  On  the  17th  inst.,  it  was  "  voted  to  continue 
covenant  meetings  on  the  Saturday  before  the  third 
Sunday  of  each  month  and  hold  communion  on  the  day 
following  ;  a  letter  was  also  received  from  the  brethren 
on  the  Delaware,  requesting  Mr.  Peck  to  attend  with 
them  on  Saturday  next."  In  compliance  with  this  re- 
quest Messrs.  Peck  and  Torrey  attended  meeting  on  the 
24th  inst.,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Amos  Tyler  on  the  Dela- 
ware, and  "  found  the  brethren  halting  between  two 
opinions,  or  fearful  to  take  a  stand  on  Gospel  ground." 
On  the  next  day,  however,  they  "  had  a  refreshing  sea- 
son under  the  preaching  of  Mr.  Peck,  at  the  meeting 
house. ' '     On  the  26th  of  December  following,  the  church 


100  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

was  represented  in  a  convention  held  at  Abington  for 
the  purpose  of  forming  an  Association.  Rev.  Epaphras 
Thompson  officiated  as  moderator  of  the  meeting,  and 
Rev.  Elijah  Peck  preached  the  introductory  sermon  on 
that  interesting  occasion.  The  minutes  of  the  conven- 
tion are  preserved  in  the  records  of  Mt.  Pleasant 
Church. 

The  course  of  the  church  during  the  next  four  years 
was  marked  by  various  changes  and  occasional  acces- 
sions. At  the  beginning  of  this  period  the  church  was 
quite  small  and  the  members  were  somewhat  scattered. 
Without  a  central  or  convenient  place  of  worship,  meet- 
ings were  statedly  held  on  the  Sabbath  and  frequently 
during  the  week  at  log  cabins  or  barns  at  different,  and 
often  distant  settlements.  The  pastor  did  not  devote 
his  efforts  exclusively  to  Mt.  Pleasant  or  the  immedi- 
ate vicinity,  but  commenced  preaching  occasionally  at 
Bethany,  "Elkwoods,"  Cochecton,  "  Nine  Partners," 
and  at  various  other  points,  as  the  wants  of  the  field 
or  wishes  of  the  members  might  seem  to  indicate  or 
require.  Seasons  of  refreshing  were  enjoyed  at  most 
of  these  stations  and  materials  gathered  from  which  in- 
dependent churches  were  subsequently  formed. 

In  1808,  the  church  passed  through  some  trials  and 
at  times  complained  of  unusual  coldness,  but  continued 
to  enjoy  a  measure  of  peace  and  harmony.  In  March 
of  this  year,  a  letter  of  commendation  was  granted  to 
Mr.  Thompson,  as  he  proposed  to  leave  the  place  and 
labor  in  a  branch  of  Abington  Church,  and  the  hand  of 
fellowship  was  extended  to  Mr.  Peck  as  pastor  of  Mt. 
Pleasant  Church — a  position  he  sustained  most  of  the 
time  until  his  decease.     In  April  following,  the  wife  of 


MOUNT    PLEASANT    CHURCH.  101 

the  pastor  united  with  the  church,  "  to  their  great  joy 
and  satisfaction."  On  the  second  of  February,  1809, 
Mr.  Benjamin  Newton  was  appointed  clerk  of  the 
church  in  place  of  Mr.  Samuel  Torrey,  who  was  about 
to  remove  from  the  place.  One  painful  case  of  disci- 
pline is  reluctantly  recorded.  Reports  prejudicial  to 
the  moral  character  of  Rev.  Epaphras  Thompson,  hav- 
ing come  to  the  knowledge  of  various  members  of  Ab- 
ington  Church,  in  the  bounds  of  which  he  was  then 
living,  that  church  communicated  the  same  by  letter  in 
July  of  this  year,  to  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Church,  of  which 
he  was  still  considered  a  member.  The  case  being  enter- 
tained and  the  facts  investigated,  Mr.  Thompson  was 
finally  excluded  from  the  church  on  a  charge  of  dis- 
honesty and  drunkenness.  On  the  19th  of  November 
following,  at  the  request  of  Mr.  Elkanah  Tingley,  Mr. 
Peck  visited  the  settlement  at  "Nine  Partners,"  and 
baptized  one  person,  and  on  the  next  Sabbath  he 
preached  at  Bethany  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Ephraim 
Torrey,  baptized  four  converts  and  administered  the 
Lord's  Supper  to  these,  and  three  others  previously 
baptized.  On  the  13th  of  December  following,  he  bap- 
tized five  persons  in  the  vicinity  ;  on  the  25th  inst., 
one,  and  on  the  19th  of  May,  1810,  three  more  also 
went  forward  in  that  ordinance.  The  church  reported 
to  the  Association  in  the  Fall  of  this  year,  12  and  in 
that  of  the  following,  28  communicants.  On  the  23d 
of  May,  1812,  Mr.  Peck  "  visited  the  Elkwoods  set- 
tlement and  found  it  to  be  a  religious  time,"  baptizing 
one  person  and  admitting  four  others  as  members  of 
the  church.  While  the  cause  was  thus  prospering 
abroad,  the  claims  of  the  field  at  home  were  not  for- 


102  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

gotten  or  neglected.  Frequent  additions  by  letter  and 
baptism  of  persons  residing  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  were  grate- 
fully recorded.  The  church  reported  to  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  Autumn  of  this  year,  five  baptisms  and  33 
communicants. 

During  the  next  ten  years,  little  of  especial  interest 
transpired  within  the  bounds  of  the  church.  The  pas- 
tor continued  his  usual  labors  and  the  church  received 
occasional  accessions.  Among  these  were  some  persons 
of  superior  ability,  who  exerted  a  moulding  influence 
on  the  subsequent  character  of  the  church.  Thus  far, 
for  want  of  suitable  gifts  or  recognition  of  them,  the 
pastor  was  left  to  "  serve  tables"  without  the  assistance 
of  regular  Deacons.  These,  however,  were  furnished 
from  abroad.  On  the  16th  of  July,  1814,  Dea.  Peter 
Spencer,  and  on  the  20th  of  May,  1815,  Dea.  Rufus 
Grennell  united  with  the  church,  both  from  Connecti- 
cut, the  one  recommended  by  the  church  of  Guilford, 
and  the  other  by  that  at  Winchester.  On  the  17th  of 
September  following,  Mr.  Sheldon  Norton,  also  recom- 
mended by  the  church  at  the  latter  place,  was  received 
as  a  member  of  the  church.  In  the  Summer  of  1817, 
a  number  of  valuable  members  were  dismissed  to  form 
a  church  at  Bethany. 

It  is,  however,  unnecessary  to  dwell  on  this  part  of 
its  history  ;  a  brighter  portion  invites  our  attention. 
In  the  Summer  of  1822,  the  members  of  the  church 
were  measurably  revived  and  a  number  of  the  impeni- 
tent hopefully  converted.  The  church  reported  to  the 
Association  in  the  Autumn  of  this  year,  12  baptisms 
and  52  communicants.  This,  however,  was  but  the 
shadow   of  good   things  to    come.      In   the   following 


MOUNT    PLEASANT    CHURCH.  103 

Summer  a  refreshing  shower  descended  on  the  thirsty 
soil,  causing  the  seeds  of  truth  to  germinate  and  plants 
of  grace  to  grow.  The  gracious  work  having  com- 
menced in  the  church,  continued  to  spread  until  it  per- 
vaded the  entire  community.  At  a  covenant  meeting, 
held  June  7th,  1823,  an  unusual  interest  was  manifested 
by  the  members  present.  About  the  middle  of  the 
month,  "the  Lord  was  pleased,"  as  the  record  runs, 
"  to  visit  his  people  with  his  presence  and  sinners  with 
his  grace."  On  the  29th  of  the  same  month,  Rev. 
John  Smitzer,  of  Bethany,  came  to  the  aid  of  the 
pastor  and  preached  with  marked  effect.  He  baptized 
10  persons  on  the  same  day,  five  of  whom  belonged  to 
the  family  of  Mr.  Peck  and  two  were  children  of  Dea. 
Rufus  Grennell.  The  meetings  continued  peculiarly 
interesting  and  converts  were  graciously  multiplied 
during  the  Summer  and  following  Autumn.  At  a 
special  meeting  for  business,  August  22d  of  this  year, 
Mr.  Rufus  Grennell  was  recognized  as  Deacon  of  this 
church,  and  Mr.  David  Horton  was  also  appointed  to 
that  office.  The  church  reported  to  the  Association  in  the 
following  Autumn,  27  baptisms  and  81  communicants. 
On  the  20th  of  November,  1824,  Rev.  Enoch  Owen  be- 
came a  member  of  this  church,  recommended  by  the 
Damascus  Church — a  relation  he  sustained  some  nine 
years.  The  church  reported  to  the  Association  in  the 
Fall  of  1825,  seven  baptisms  and  98  communicants. 

During  a  few  subsequent  years,  the  church  declined 
in  numbers  and  became  distracted  in  its  counsels.  Two 
parties  were  formed  and  the  relations  of  the  pastor 
suspended.  The  church  or  the  Canaan  branch  was 
supplied  with  preaching  a  portion  of  the  time  in  1827 


104  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

■ 

and  '28,  by  Rev.  Horace  Jones  ;  in  1829  and  '30,  by 
Rev.  Charles  H.  Hubbard ;  in  1831,  by  Rev.  Alex. 
Smith,  and  in  1832  the  relations  and  labors  of  Mr. 
Peck  were  resumed.  In  the  year  1830,  an  extensive 
revival  was  enjoyed  within  the  bounds  of  the  church, 
under  the  labors  of  Mr.  Hubbard.  The  church  report- 
ed to  the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of  that  year,  31 
baptisms  and  101  communicants.  This  was  the  meri- 
dian of  its  numerical  strength.  From  this  time  the 
church  commenced  and  continued  to  gradually  decline 
until  it  ultimately  disbanded. 

During  the  next  ten  years,  few  changes  occurred  in 
the  downward  course  of  the  church,  worthy  of  a  perma- 
nent record.  Some  interesting  seasons  were  enjoyed 
and  a  few  additions  by  baptism,  were  reported.  Cases 
of  discipline  and  exclusion  were  frequent,  and  often 
painful.  On  the  31st  of  December,  1831,  Mr.  John 
Tiffany  was  appointed  Deacon  of  the  church.  During 
most  of  1834,  the  church  was  destitute  of  stated 
preaching  on  account  of  the  impaired  health  of  the 
pastor.  Mr.  Peck  died  March  16th,  1835,  lamented 
by  a  large  circle,  of  relatives  and  friends.  In  the  Sum- 
mer of  1837,  Dea.  David  Horton  died,  and  in  the  follow- 
ing Autumn,  Mrs.  Rhoda  Stearns  also  deceased  while 
residing  at  Harford.  She  was  one  of  the  constituent 
members  of  the  church  and  had  been  a  professor  of 
religion  upwards  of  a  half  century..  In  July,  1839, 
Rev.  Joseph  Curren,  pastor  of  the  Clinton  Church,  was 
engaged  to  supply  this  church  one-fourth  of  the  time 
for  four  months.  The  church  reported  to  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  following  Autumn,  one  baptism  and  32  com- 
municants. 


MOUNT   PLEASANT   CHURCH.  105 

The  course  of  the  church  during  the  concluding  ten 
years  of  its  history  was  equally  barren  of  general  in- 
terest. The  church  was  destitute  of  stated  preaching 
from  1840  to  '45,  but  covenant  meetings  were  occa- 
sionally held  and  were  sometimes  seasons  of  peculiar 
interest.  On  the  6th  of  September,  1845,  Rev.  John 
Baldwin  met  with  the  church  and  a  general  settlement 
was  made  of  existing  difficulties.  The  members  present 
agreed,  as  they  frequently  had  before,  to  live  in  peace 
and  labor  in  harmony,  and  Mr.  Baldwin  accepted  an  in- 
vitation to  become  their  pastor.  On  the  4th  of  October 
following,  Revs.  Henry  Curtis  and  John  T.  Mitchell 
met  in  council  with  the  church  and  advised  the  brethren 
to  change  the  name  of  the  church  to  Mt.  Pleasant  and 
Lebanon ;  each  branch  to  appoint  a  Deacon,  celebrate 
the  Lord's  Supper  and  hold  monthly  covenant  meetings. 
This  advice  was  complied  with  and  a  portion  of  the 
Lebanon  Church  united  with  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Church. 
Mr.  John  Tiffany  was  continued  as  Deacon  of  the 
branch  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  and  on  the  1st  of  November  of 
this  year,  Mr.  Gaylon  Wilmarth  was  appointed  Deacon 
of  that  at  Lebanon.  The  record  of  this  double  church 
is  a  blank  with  one  exception,  until  January  9th,  1851, 
when  a  meeting  was  held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Lewis 
Peck  and  the  church  disbanded.  Thus  these  two 
branches  peacefully  expired  in  each  others  embrace. 

The  following  were  among  the  principal  causes  of  the 
gradual  decline  and  ultimate  dissolution  of  the  Mt.  Plea- 
sant Church. 

The  dismission  of  members  contributed  to  this  sad 
result.  Valuable  members  were  frequently  dismissed 
for  the  purpose  of  forming  new  churches  at  various 


106  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

points  in  the  surrounding  region.  Independent  churches 
were  organized  in  the  vicinity  of  Mt.  Pleasant,  at  dif- 
ferent times  and  places,  as  follows,  viz.,  a  church  was 
recognized  at  Bethany  in  1817;  at  Damascus  in  1821; 
at  Scott  in  1823  ;  at  Gibson  and  Jackson  in  1825 ;  at 
Deposit,  Lebanon  and  Canaan — now  Clinton — in  1831, 
and  at  Herrick  in  1834.  Some  of  the  constituent 
members  of  most,  if  not  all,  of  these  churches,  were 
dismissed  from  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Church.  The  new 
interest  at  Canaan  absorbed  a  number  of  valuable  mem- 
bers and  at  first  assumed  the  venerable  name  of  the 
parent  church.  Thus  for  a  time  it  proved  a  formidable 
rival,  but  finally  became  a  friendly  ally  of  the  church 
at  Mt.  Pleasant. 

Again,  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  this  church,  were 
sadly  marred  by  internal  discord  and  dissensions.  Some 
of  the  members  seem  to  have  been  exceedingly  con- 
tracted in  their  views  and  tenacious  of  their  opinions ; 
easily  offended  and  difficult  to  become  reconciled.  By 
such  persons,  matters  of  comparatively  small  impor- 
tance were  made  the  occasion  of  protracted  disputes 
and  painful  alienations.  Personal  difficulties  were  often 
brought  before  the  church  or  its  committee,  for  settle- 
ment without  having  previously  taken  the  prescribed 
steps  of  Gospel  labor.  Charges  of  trespass,  slander 
and  breach  of  promise,  were  among  the  more  important 
preferred  and  persisted  in ;  some  of  which  were  amica- 
bly settled  but  others  were  prolonged  and  resulted  in 
unpleasant  discipline  and  ultimate  exclusion.  Thus  the 
church  was  wasted  and  weakened  by  internal  discord 
and  dissensions.  But  in  the  midst  of  this  fraternal 
strife  and  general  confusion  there  were  some  bright  ex- 


MOUNT   PLEASANT   CHURCH.  107 

amples  of  devoted  piety  and  consistent  character.  The 
cause  was  not  entirely  left  to  the  sport  of  faction  or  the 
rule  of  weak  and  wicked  men,  but  some  born  in  the 
storm  and  rocked  in  the  tempest,  have  since  endured  the 
calm  and  rejoiced  in  the  sunshine,  and  are  now  esteemed 
members  of  other  churches,  and  distinguished  ornaments 
to  the  Christian  cause.  Here  we  conclude  this  extend- 
ed notice  of  the  origin  and  growth,  the  decay  and  dis- 
solution of  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Church  and  erect  it  as  a 
beacon  light  on  the  rugged  rocks  of  discord  and  dissen- 
sion, as  a  timely  warning  to  benighted  mariners  who 
may  perchance  hereafter  be  drawn  into  these  dark 
waters  or  driven  into  these  dangerous  seas. 


108  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 


BETHANY  CHURCH. 


The  present  site  of  Bethany  having  been  selected  and 
surveyed  for  a  county-town,  a  settlement  was  com- 
menced upon  it  in  1801,  which  soon  became  a  pleasant 
and  prosperous  village.  The  place  was  visited  occa- 
sionally at  an  early  period  by  various  Baptist  ministers 
mostly  located  in  the  surrounding  region.  In  the  Fall 
of  1807,  Rev.  Epaphras  Thompson,  of  Mt.  Pleasant, 
preached  at  Bethany  and  continued  for  a  time,  as  is 
presumed,  to  frequently  visit  the  place  and  vicinity.  In 
the  Summer  and  Autumn  of  1809,  an  interesting  revi- 
val was  enjoyed  in  Bethany  and  adjacent  neighbor- 
hoods. Congregations  were  comparatively  large  and 
remarkably  attentive ;  a  general  seriousness  seemed  to 
pervade  the  minds  of  the  entire  community  and  "  a 
number  of  persons  were  made  the  hopeful  subjects  of 
converting  grace."  In  the  Summer  of  that  year,  Rev. 
Elijah  Peck,  pastor  of  Mt.  Pleasant  Church,  baptized 
three  persons  at  Bethany,  and  in  the  following  Au- 
tumn he  also  baptized  four  more  and  administered  the 
sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  "It  was  a  glorious 
day  indeed,"  as  the  record  runs,  "to  many  precious 
souls."  On  the  12th  of  December  following,  a  meeting 
was  held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  David  Bunnell,  at  which 
five  persons  were  received  as  candidates  for  baptism. 
On  the  next  day  Mr.  Peck  preached  at  the  house  of 
Mr.  Coleman,  and  baptized  the  above  candidates.  "  It 
was  a  day  of  much  love  and  true  humiliation  before 
God."    On  the  following  Sabbath,  Rev.  *"  Jesse  Hart- 

*  Rev.  Jesse  Hartwell  was  born  in  Rowe,  Franklin  County,  Massachusetts, 
Feb.  24ih,  1771 ;  he  died  November  21st,  1860,  in  Perry,  Lake  County,  Ohio. 


BETHANY    CHURCH.  109 

well,  of  Massachusetts,  attended  meeting  at  Bethany, 
and  preached  twice  to  great  satisfaction,  and  on  the 
following  day  baptized  Mr.  Ephraim  Torrey."  The 
ordinance  was  administered  in  the  Lackawaxen  creek, 
a  few  rods  below  the  present  residence  of  Rev.  Henry 
Curtis. 

In  the  Spring  of  1810,  Mr.  Peck  again  visited  the 
place  and  baptized  three  converts.  "It  was  a  time," 
according  to  the  record,  "of  rejoicing  in  the  Lord." 
In  the  Summer  of  1811,  Rev.  John  Lawton,  of  New 
York,  while  on  a  missionary  tour  under  the  patronage 
of  the  "Hamilton  Missionary  Society,"  came  to  Beth- 
any and  "  preached  twice  in  the  court  house."  Rev. 
Win.  Purdy,  of  Palmyra,  was  also  accustomed  to 
preach  at  Bethany  and  adjacent  settlements. 

These  persons,  baptized  at  various  times  near  Beth- 
any, united  with  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Church  and  acted  as 
a  branch  of  that  body  until  a  few  members  of  Palmyra 
Church  and  "  elsewhere,"  having  settled  in  the  imme- 
diate vicinity,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  organize  as 
an  independent  church.  Accordingly  a  meeting  was 
held  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Isaac  Dimmick,  December 
28th,  1816,  "  for  the  purpose  of  taking  into  considera- 
tion so  important  and  desirable  an  object,"  and  a  com- 
mittee of  three  was  appointed  to  draft  a  Covenant, 
Articles  of  Faith  and  Practice  and  report  the  same  at  a 
subsequent  meeting  for  inspection  and  approval.  The 
above  committee  reported  progress  at  a  meeting  held  in 
the  house  of  Mr.  Win.  Purdy,  Jr.,  January  4th,  1817; 
at  a  meeting  held  on  the  8th  inst.,  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
Benj.  Raymond,  the  committee  made  a  final  report  as 
contemplated,  and  Articles  of  Faith  and  Covenant  were 
10 


110  IIISTOKICAL    SKETCHES, 

adopted.  Meetings  for  worship  and  business  were  held 
by  the  brethren  and  sisters  from  time  to  time  until 
June  7  th,  1817,  when  a  council,  composed  of  delegates 
from  Palmyra,  Abington  and  Mt.  Pleasant  churches, 
was  convened  at  the  court  house  in  Bethany,  Wayne 
County,  Pa.,  for  the  purpose  of  recognizing  them  as 
an  independent  church,  Rev.  John  Miller  officiating  as 
moderator,  and  Dea.  Roger  Orvis  acting  as  clerk  of  the 
council.  Revs.  Wm.  Purdy,  Elijah  Peck  and  others 
were  present  as  delegates  and  participated  in  the  delib- 
erations of  the  meeting.  After  a  preparatory  sermon  by 
the  moderator,  from  1  Cor.  6 :  20,  eighteen  persons, 
eight  males  and  ten  females,  presented  themselves  with 
their  letters  of  commendation,  covenant,  Articles  of 
Faith  and  Practice  and  received  fellowship  as  the  Regu- 
lar Baptist  Church  of  Bethany. 

A  meeting  of  the  church  was  held  on  the  11th  of 
July  following,  for  the  purpose  of  making  such  regula- 
tions as  were  necessary  to  promote  the  peace  of  the 
church  and  prosperity  of  the  cause.  Mr.  Wm.  Purdy, 
Jr.,  was  appointed  standing  moderator,  and  Mr.  Ephraim 
Torrey  clerk  of  the  church.  It  was  also  decided  to 
hold  covenant  meetings  on  the  first  Saturday  of  each 
month  and  celebrate  the  Lord's  Supper  on  the  Sabbath 
following — subsequently  changed  to  once  in  two  months. 
The  church  united  with  the  Association  in  the  follow- 
ing Autumn — the  first  admitted  into  that  body. 

The  church  moved  forward  harmoniously,  enjoying 
occasional  preaching  by  Mr.  Peck,  and  others  from 
abroad,  but  was  anxiously  seeking  to  secure  the  servi- 
ces of  a  settled  pastor.  On  the  28th  of  January,  1819, 
Mr.  Wm.  Purdy,  Jr.,  was  chosen  Deacon  of  the  church 


BETHANY    CHURCH.  Ill 

and  requested  "  to  exercise  his  gifts  by  way  of  public 
improvement."  On  the  10th  of  September,  1820,  Mr. 
John  Smitzer  visited  the  place  and  preached  for  the 
church.  Six  persons  were  baptized  on  the  same  day 
by  Rev.  Elijah  Peck.  On  the  8th  of  October  following, 
Rev.  Nathaniel  Otis,  missionary  of  the  "New  York 
Missionary  Society,"  preached  in  the  place,  -baptized 
four  persons  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  the 
church.  On  the  17th  of  November  of  that  year,  letters 
of  dismission  were  granted  to  Mr.  Win.  Purdy,  Jr.,  and 
other  members  of  his  family,  about  to  emigrate  to  the 
West,  and  a  call  was  given  to  Rev.  John  Smitzer  to 
take  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  church.  On  the  8th  of 
December  following,  Mr.  Ephraim  Torrey  was  chosen 
Deacon  and  Dea.  Osborn  Olmsted,  formerly  a  Deacon 
of  the  Bethel  Baptist  Church  of  New  York,  was  re- 
quested to  officiate  in  that  capacity  in  this  church. 
In  the  Autumn  of  1821,  Mr.  Smitzer  responded  to  the 
call  of  the  church  and  assumed  the  pastoral  charge, 
dividing  his  labors  during  the  first  year  between  this 
church,  that  at  Damascus,  and  the  Canaan  branch  of 
Mt.  Pleasant  Church  ;  subsequently  the  Bethany  and 
Damascus  churches  shared  his  entire  labors.  He  con- 
tinued to  serve  the  cause  in  this  manner  until  the  Spring 
of  1826,  when  he  resigned  his  charge  and  retired  from 
the  field,  highly  respected  by  the  church  and  commu- 
nity. Under  his  labors  the  church  at  Bethany  was 
measurably  prospered  and  gradually  enlarged,  more 
than  doubling  its  membership  and  greatly  increasing  its 
efficiency.  It  however,  passed  through  some  trials 
during  that  period,  cases  occurring  of  protracted  diffi- 
culty and  painful   discipline,  some  resulting  in  exclu- 


112  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

sion,  others  in  reconciliation.     It  was  a  season  of  both 
planting   and  pruning.     The   church  reported   to   the 
Association  in  the  Autumn  of  1826,  45  communicants. 
During  the  next  three  years  the  church  was  destitute 
of  a  settled  minister  but    continued  to  sustain  stated 
meetings  and  a  salutary  discipline.  In  the  Fall  of  1829, 
Rev.  Charles  H.  Hubbard  accepted  the  pastoral  charge 
of  the  church,  supplying  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Church  a 
portion  of  the  time  for  about  two  years ;  subsequently 
his   labors    were    divided    between   the   Bethany   and 
Damascus  churches,  thus  continuing  to  serve  the  cause 
until  the  Spring  of  1832,  when  he  resigned  his  charge 
of  the  former  church.     He  was  a  man  of  rare  talents, 
respectable  attainments  and  agreeable  address.  His  dis- 
courses were  well  digested  and  arranged,  abounding  in 
brilliant  thoughts  and  forcible  illustrations.     Under  his 
labors  the  church  was  greatly  prospered  and  enlarged. 
A   precious  revival   was   enjoyed  in  1831,  continuing 
through  most  of  the  year.     Backsliders  were  reclaimed, 
excluded  members  restored  and  repenting  sinners  hope- 
fully converted.  The  church  reported  to  the  Association 
in  the  Autumn  of  that  year,  45  baptisms  and  98  com- 
municants.    During   this   revival   valuable  gifts  were 
developed  and  encouraged.     On  the  28th  of  May,  of 
that  year,  Mr.  Lucian  Hayden,  a  young  man  of  respec- 
table promise,  was  licensed  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and 
on  the  11th  of  June  following,  Mr.  Charles  A.  Fox,  re- 
cently from  Mason ville,  N.  Y.,  was  also    "  regularly 
licensed  as  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel."     After  various 
and  valuable  labors  in  different  and  distant  places,  he 
has  returned  to  the  Association  and  is  now  the  esteem- 
ed pastor  of  Abington  Church.     On  the  1st  of  October 


BETHANY   CHURCH.  113 

following,  Mr.  Joseph  A.  Hubbard  was  chosen  Deacon 
of  the  church. 

In  the  Fall  of  1882,  Rev.  Henry  Curtis  accepted  the 
pastoral  charge  of  the  church  and  continued  to  sustain 
that  relation  until  the  Autumn  of  1845,  a  period  of 
thirteen  years.  The  field  was  ample  and  his  labors 
were  abundant.  Besides  his  regular  appointments  at 
Bethany  village,  he  was  accustomed  to  preach  statedly 
at  Honesdale,  Smith  Hill  and  Paupack  Eddy.  He  also 
supplied  the  church  at  Canaan  in  1834 ;  that  at  Pau- 
pack Eddy  in  1838 ;  that  at  Damascus  in  1839,  and  for 
some  years  subsequent.  Under  his  efficient  labors  the 
church  at  Bethany  was  greatly  prospered  and  gradually 
enlarged.  During  the  time  nearly  150  persons  were 
received  by  baptism,  and  in  1843,  the  church  embraced 
210  communicants.  This  was  the  culminating  point  in 
its  numerical  prosperity.  From  this  time  its  member- 
ship began  to  gradually  diminish,  chiefly  on  account  of 
the  dismission  of  members  to  form  independent  churches 
at  various  points  in  the  surrounding  region,  and  also  the 
floating  character  of  the  population  occasioned  by  the 
removal  of  the  county  courts  in  1842,  from  Bethany  to 
Honesdale.  When  Mr.  Curtis  retired  from  the  field 
in  1845,  the  church  embraced  133  communicants. 

It  remains  merely  to  notice  some  incidents  of  general 
interest,  that  occurred  from  time  to  time  under  his  pas- 
toral charge.  On  the  27th  of  April,  1833,  Mr.  Eli- 
phalet  Wood  was  chosen  Deacon  of  the  church.  Hav- 
ing faithfully  served  the  cause  in  that  relation,  he  died 
May  10th,  1842,  on  the  day  Honesdale  Church  was 
recognized.  On  the  5th  of  October,  1834,  Mr.  Isaac 
Brown  was  also  chosen  Deacon,  and  on  the  27th  of  No- 


114  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES, 

vember,  1841,  Mr.  L.  L.  Demming  was  elected  to  that 
office.  He  subsequently  transferred  his  membership  to 
Hones  dale  Church,  of  which  he  was  an  esteemed  Dea- 
con until  his  decease.  On  the  11th  of  June,  1842, 
Messrs.  E.  L.  Reed  and  C.  M.  Hayden  were  also  ap- 
pointed Deacons  of  the  church.  At  a  still  later  period 
Mr.  Homer  Brooks  was  elected  to  that  responsible 
office.  Many  of  these,  after  having  "  purchased  to 
themselves  a  good  degree,"  have  been  called  to  their 
gracious  reward ;  others  still  survive  to  serve  the  cause 
and  watch  over  the  interests  of  the  church.  On  the 
3d  of  March,  1834,  Rev.  Charles  H.  Hubbard  was  ex- 
cluded from  the  church ;  two  years  subsequent  he  was 
restored  to  membership,  but  not  to  the  ministry. 

In  1841,  the  church  built  a  meeting  house  at  a  cost 
of  $1700,  and  occupied  it  for  the  first  time,  January 
9th,  1842 ;  it  was  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God,  on 
the  18th  of  February  following,  by  appropriate  religious 
services.  Until  this  time  the  various  meetings  of  the 
church  had  been  held  in  the  court  house,  fire-proof, 
Academy  building  and  private  dwellings,  as  were  most 
convenient.  A  series  of  meetings  was  immediately 
commenced  in  the  new  meeting  house  and  continued 
from  day  to  day  during  some  weeks.  The  pastor  was 
aided  by  Rev.  Lewis  Raymond  from  Cooperstown, 
N.  Y.  During  this  meeting  the  members  of  the  church 
were  greatly  revived  and  a  large  number  of  the  impeni- 
tent were  hopefully  converted.  The  gracious  work 
extended  to  the  village  of  Honesdale  and  resulted  in 
the  formation  of  an  independent  church  at  that  place. 
The  Bethany  Church  reported  to  the  Association  in  the 
following  Autumn,  47  received  by  baptism.     During 


BETHANY   CHURCH.  115 

the  protracted  pastorate  of  Mr.  Curtis,  cases  of  disci- 
pline were  numerous  in  the  church  and  frequently 
unpleasant.  It  was  a  season  of  both  watering  and 
weeding. 

The  pastors  subsequently  settled  with  this  church 
remained  but  a  brief  period.  On  the  first  Sabbath  of 
October,  1845,  Rev.  M.  M.  Everets  commenced  his 
labors  as  pastor  of  the  church  and  continued  to  sustain 
that  relation  during  two  years.  His  efforts  were  zeal- 
ous and  faithful.  Difficulties,  however,  between  a 
former  pastor  and  some  influential  members  greatly 
marred  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  church.  They 
reported  to  the  Association  in  the  Fall  of  1846,  three 
received  by  baptism  and  133  as  their  total  membership, 
and  also  said  in  their  letter  that  their  present  state  was 
lamentable.  Rev.  Andrew  Hopper  was  the  next  pastor 
of  the  church.  His  labors  commenced  in  November 
1847,  and  closed  in  the  Spring  of  1850.  During  that 
period  a  number  of  members  were  dismissed  to  form  the 
Lebanon  and  Berlin  churches.  The  church  reported 
to  the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of  1850,  67  commu- 
nicants. In  December  of  that  year,  Rev.  L.  L.  Still 
accepted  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  church  and  con- 
tinued to  serve  the  cause  in  that  relation  upwards  of  a 
year.  His  labors  closed  in  the  Spring  of  1852,  when 
the  church  reported  54  communicants. 

In  February,  1853,  Rev.  Henry  Curtis  again  became 
pastor  of  the  church  and  sustained  that  relation  during 
some  three  years.  Under  his  labors  a  few  additions 
were  received.  The  church  report  to  the  Association 
in  the  Autumn  of  1854,  seven  baptisms  and  54  commu- 
nicants, and  also  say  in  their  letter  that  they  are  few 


116  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

and  feeble  compared  with  what  they  once  were,  many 
having  died,  others  backslidden  or  totally  apostatized, 
and  at  least  seven  churches  having  been  formed  of 
members  chiefly  from  this  church.  Some  mercy  drops, 
however,  have  fallen  in  their  midst  and  a  few  souls  have 
been  hopefully  converted.  Again,  they  say  in  their  let- 
ter to  the  Association  in  the  Fall  of  1855,  that  they  are 
"  faint  yet  pursuing."  The  Gospel  is  faithfully  preach- 
ed to  them  by  their  pastor,  yet  without  any  marked  or 
immediate  results.  Harmony  prevails  in  a  good  degree 
and  a  hope  is  entertained  of  better  days.  In  the 
Spring  of  1856,  Rev.  Newell  Callender  became  pastor 
of  the  church  and  continued  to  preach  for  them  one- 
fourth  of  the  time  during  the  year.  Rev.  D.  W.  Hal- 
sted  was  the  next  pastor  of  the  church  and  still  occupies 
that  position.  They  report  to  the  Association  in  the 
Autumn  of  1857,  36  communicants,  and  say  in  their 
letter  that  they  are  still  in  a  very  feeble  state  and  in 
danger  of  losing  their  house  of  worship  on  account  of  a 
debt  that  has  been  suffered  to  remain  upon  it.  This 
debt  has  since  been  cancelled  through  the  efforts  of  the 
present  pastor,  and  liberality  of  some  of  the  members, 
and  other  generous  friends. 


SCOTT   VALLEY   CHURCH.  117 


SCOTT  VALLEY   CHURCH: 

The  "East  Settlement"  was  early  occupied  by  Rev. 
John  Miller  as  an  out-station,  and  it  is  frequently  named 
in  the  ancient  records  of  Abington  Church.  Messrs. 
Roger  Orvis,  and  Zerah  Scott  were  among  the  pioneers 
of  that  settlement,  and  were  also  among  the  first  acces- 
sions to  this  venerable  church.  Having  emigrated  from 
Cornwall,  Addison  county,  Vermont,  they  settled  with 
their  families  in  1800,  in  what  is  now  Scott,  Luzerne 
county,  Penna.,  and  immediately  commenced  covenant 
meetings — the  first  meetings  of  the  kind,  as  is  believed, 
established  by  regular  Baptists  within  the  present  bounds 
of  the  Association.  The  first  of  these  meetings,  was 
held  at  the  log-cabin  of  Mr.  Orvis,  and  was  attended 
by  three  brethren  with  their  wives,  viz.,  Roger  and 
Mariamni  Roxana  Orvis,  Zerah  and  Sybil  Scott,  Isaac 
and  Eleanor  Tripp.  The  first  four  were  regular  Bap- 
tists and  bore  letters  of  commendation  from  the  Corn- 
wall Church.     *  Mr.    Tripp  at  this  time  belonged  to 

*  This  Isaac  Tripp  was  in  early  life  a  resident  at  "  Capouse  Meadows"  in  the 
Lackawanna  valley.  In  the  eighteenth  year  of  his  age,  and  soon  after  the 
Wyoming  massacre,  he  was  taken  captive  by  the  Indians  and  with  others 
marched  to  Canada.  On  the  way  he  experienced  the  most  excruciating  suf- 
ferings from  the  gnawings  of  hunger  and  cruel  treatment  of  the  savages  who 
bound  his  hands  behind  him  and  compelled  him  to  run  the  gauntlet.  At 
Niagara  he  met  his  cousin,  Miss  Frances  Slocum,  who  was  also  a  captive  from 
the  Wyoming  valley.  They  planned  their  escape  but  their  intentions  being 
discovered  by  their  captors,  they  were  separated  never  more  to  meet  on 
earth,  and  young  Tripp  was  sold  to  the  English  and  compelled  to  enter  their 
service,  in  which  he  reluctantly  continued  until  the  close  of  the  revolutionary 
war.  He  now  returned  to  his  early  home  and  resumed  the  peaceful  pursuits 
of  the  farm.  He  moved  to  Scott,  Luzerne  county,  and  finally  settled  in  the 
Elkwoods  in  Susquehanna  county.  His  wife  died  in  Clifford,  May  10th,  J.816, 
aged  67  years.  He  followed  her  to  the  grave  April  15th,  1820,  aged  60  years. 
The  remains  of  both  now  repose  in  the  burying  ground  near  Clifford  corners. 


118.  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

the  Free  Communion  Baptist  church  of  Mt.  Pleasant, 
but  subsequently  he  and  his  wife,  formerly  a  member  at 
Pittston,  united  by  letter  with  the  regular  Baptist 
church  of  Abington.  At  a  meeting  for  public  worship 
held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Orvis  on  the  fifth  Sabbath  of 
July,  1803,  "Roger  Orvis,  Zerah  Scott,  Benj.  Potts, 
Hosea  Phillips,  Mariamni  Roxana  Orvis,  Sybil  Scott, 
Mary  Potts,  Polly  Hobbs  and  Priscilla  Sacket  tendered 
covenant  and  united  with  the  Abington  Church." 

These  covenant  and  preaching  meetings  thus  com- 
menced, were  held  from  time  to  time  at  such  private 
dwellings  as  were  most  central  and  convenient,  usually 
pausing  in  their  annual  circuit  at  the  log  cabins  of 
Messrs.  Roger  Orvis,  Micah  Vail  and  Samuel  Callen- 
der.  At  a  later  period,  these  meetings  were  occasion- 
ally held  at  the  houses  of  Messrs.  Abraham  Whetherby, 
Wilmot  Vail  and  various  other  brethren,  where  they 
would  be  cordially  received  and  could  be  conveniently 
entertained.  These  were  precious  seasons  to  the  pioneer 
settlers  of  this  comparative  wilderness,  reviving  former 
scenes  and  recalling  favorite  associations.  Besides 
these  usual  means,  other  instrumentalities  were  em- 
ployed to  sustain  the  infant  cause  and  secure  a  thriving 
interest  in  this  growing  settlement.  On  the  21st  of 
February,  1807,  the  church  appointed  Messrs.  Roger 
Orvis,  Zerah  Scott,  and  Benj.  Potts  "to  keep  up  meet- 
ings in  the  'East  Settlement.'  "  Also,  August  22d  of  that 
year,  Mr.  Orvis  was  chosen  Deacon,  and  on  the  31st  of 
December  following,  Mr.  Micah  Vail  was  appointed 
treasurer  for  this  settlement.  Thus  from  time  to  time 
different  persons  were  enlisted,  and  various  gifts  em- 
ployed to  develop  the  pecuniary  resources  and  cultivate 


SCOTT   VALLEY   CHURCH.  119 

the  spiritual  graces  of  the  members  composing  this 
branch  of  the  old  church.  The  pastor  continued  to 
preach  in  the  settlement  on  some  four  Sabbaths  in  each 
year,  and  to  baptize  occasional  converts  into  the  fellow- 
ship of  this  branch.  He  was  also  accustomed  to  attend 
covenant  meetings  and  communion  seasons  as  well  as 
funeral  and  other  occasions.  Under  his  persevering 
labors  a  sufficient  number  of  members  were  finally 
gathered  to  constitute  an  independent  church.  He  was 
present  on  the  18th  of  September,  1817,  when  they 
organized  as  such  and  adopted  Articles  of  Faith,  ren- 
dering advice  and  giving  his  approval. 

A  council  of  recognition  was  convened  on  Saturday, 
the  18th  of  October  following,  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
Micah  Yail,  composed  of  brethren  from  Abington, 
Palmyra,  Mt.  Pleasant  and  Bethany  churches,  Rev. 
Elijah  Peck  officiating  as  moderator  and  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Giddings  acting  as  clerk.  Thirty-two  persons,  14  males 
and  18  females,  presented  themselves  to  the  council, 
with  letters  of  dismission  from  Abington  Church,  and 
their  Articles  of  Faith  and  church  covenant,  and  re- 
ceived fellowship  as  the  Greenfield  Baptist  Church  by 
appropriate  and  impressive  services.  The  council  then 
adjourned  to  Clifford,  for  the  purpose  of  recognizing  a 
church  in  that  place  on  the  following  Monday. 

It  will  be  necessary  to  notice  little  more  than  a  few 
incidents  in  the  history  of  the  first  ten  years  of  this 
church.  During  this  period  Rev.  John  Miller  contin- 
ued to  supply  the  church  occasionally,  and  administer 
the  ordinances.  Their  covenant  meetings  were  held  on 
Saturday  before  the  second  Sunday  of  each  month,  and 
church  meetings  as  occasion  required  for  the  discipline 


120  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

of  unfaithful  members  and  transaction  of  other  neces- 
sary business.  Both  public  and  private  meetings  were 
held  at  the  dwellings  of  various  brethren,  as  were  most 
convenient,  alternating  during  the  latter  portion  of  this 
decade,  between  Greenfield  and  Blakely,  with  occasional 
variations  "over  the  mountain." 

On  the  21st  of  February,  1818,  Mr.  Elisha  Smith 
was  elected  clerk  of  the  church.  In  May  following,  it 
was  "  voted  to  raise  twenty -five  dollars  by  equality  for 
the  support  of  the  Gospel"  and  a  committee  of  two 
was  appointed  "  to  visit  the  brethren  at  Clifford  and  re- 
quest that  Messrs.  Ira  Justin  and  John  Finn  may 
preach  among  us  a  certain  portion  of  the  time."  These 
two  brethren  were  constituent  members  and  licentiates 
of  that  church.  They  commenced  their  public  career 
side  by  side,  but  their  course  soon  began  to  diverge  and 
finally  became  widely  separated.  In  July  following, 
the  above  committee  reported  that  the  Clifford  Church 
had  granted  the  request.  Accordingly  Messrs.  Justin 
and  Finn  were  engaged  to  supply  the  church  once  in 
four  weeks  for  six  months,  alternating  their  labors  with 
each  other  and  with  those  of  Rev.  John  Miller.  Mr. 
Finn  finally  united  with  the  church,  April  8th,  1820, 
and  continued  to  labor  as  a  supply  during  some  seven 
years.  On  the  1st  of  January,  1822,  a  council  was  con- 
vened for  his  ordination,  but  declined  the  service.  On 
the  27th  of  October,  1827,  he  was  excluded  from  the 
church  for  immoral  conduct.  His  subsequent  career 
fully  justified  the  decision  of  the  council  and  action  of 
the  church  in  his  exclusion  ;  "  waxing  worse  and  worse," 
he  has  passed  through  the  various  stages  of  Mormanism, 
Universalism  and  Spiritualism.     It  is,  however,  a  relief 


SCOTT   VALLEY   CHURCH.  121 

to  learn  that  many  of  his  relatives  and  descendants 
have  avoided  the  evil  of  his  ways  and  become  esteemed 
members  of  Baptist  churches. 

When  this  church  united  with  the  Association  in  the 
Autumn  of  1818,  it  embraced  39  communicants.  On 
the  24th  of  October  following,  Mr.  Roger  Orvis  was 
chosen  Deacon  of  the  church,  a  position  he  sustained 
with  eminent  ability  and  faithfulness  until  the  Spring 
of  1839,  when  he  moved  with  his  companion  to  Clifford, 
where  they  have  since  deceased.  On  the  23d  of  June, 
1821,  Mr.  Samuel  Vail  was  appointed  clerk  of  the 
church,  Mr.  Smith  having  resigned  the  place  on  account 
of  his  advanced  age  and  growing  infirmities.  On  the 
25th  of  September,  1824,  Messrs.  Wilmot  Vail  and 
Samuel  Callender,  Jr.,  were  chosen  Deacons  of  the 
church,  and  on  the  5th  of  May,  1827,  Mr.  Harvey 
Vail  was  appointed  clerk,  in  place  of  Mr.  Samuel  Vail 
resigned.  Such  were  some  of  the  changes  that  marked 
or  marred  the  first  decade  of  this  church.  During 
that  time  26  persons  were  received  into  its  fellowship 
by  baptism,  increasing  its  membership  to  56  in  1824, 
and  51  in  1827. 

The  church  experienced  various  changes  during  the 
next  ten  years.  It  entered  upon  this  period  without  a 
settled  pastor,  but  continued  to  enjoy  stated  supplies. 
Rev.  John  Miller  still  preached  for  the  church  occa- 
sionally. In  1828  Rev.  Charles  Miller  frequently 
visited  the  place  and  preached  for  the  people.  During 
the  Summer  and  Autumn  of  1829,  Rev.  James  Clark, 
under  appointment  of  the  "  Baptist  Missionary  Con- 
vention of  the  State  of  New  York,"  supplied  the 
church  and  baptized  numerous  converts  within  its 
11 


122  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

bounds.  In  December  of  this  year,  Rev.  Wm.  House, 
from  New  Jersey,  united  with  the  church  and  accepted 
the  pastoral  charge.  For  a  time  the  cause  was  greatly 
prospered  under  his  efficient  labors.  The  church  re- 
ported to  the  Association- in  the  Fall  of  1830,  31  bap- 
tisms and  101  communicants.  It  had  already  sent  out 
a  number  of  vigorous  branches  and  spread  over  a  field 
of  great  extent  and  promise,  embracing  at  this  time 
within  its  bounds,  Greenfield,  Blakely,  Providence,  and 
Covington.  In  the  Summer  of  this  year  a  few  Bap- 
tists from  Wales  settled  in  Carbondale  and  in  the  follow- 
ing: Autumn  united  with  this  church.  Others  followed 
in  their  wake  from  time  to  time  during  1831,  '32  and 
'33,  amounting  in  all  to  some  thirty  members.  Among 
these  were  Dea.  John  Bowen,  James  Bowen,  Rev.  Wm. 
Richmond  and  Wm.  Thomas.  Mr.  James  Bowen  was 
licensed  to  preach  the  Gospel,  August  19th,  1831,  but 
died  February  2d,  1832.  On  the  22d  of  February, 
1833,  Mr.  Wm.  Thomas  was  also  licensed  to  preach 
the  Gospel.  In  March  following  these  Welsh  members, 
29  in  all,  took  letters  of  dismission  and  organized  as 
the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Carbondale,  thus  timely, 
though  not  timidly,  leaving  the  rocking  vessel  and  es- 
caping the  gathering  storm.  The  church  was  now 
slowly  nearing  the  whirlpool  of  Anti-nomianism.  The 
pastor  and  some  45  of  the  members  having  imbibed 
anti-mission  principles,  separated  from  the  church  in 
the  Spring  of  1834,  and  formed  an  "  Old  School"  Bap- 
tist church  at  Providence,  in  the  Lackawanna  valley. 

The  church  was  now  left  destitute  of  a  pastor  and 
distracted  by  previous  disputes  and  disaffections.  The 
usual  meetings,  however,  were  resumed  in  the  Summer 


SCOTT  VALLEY  CHURCH.  123 

of  that  year,  and  Dea.  Roger  Orvis  was  appointed  clerk 
of  the  church,  the  previous  one  having  gone  off  with 
the  "  Signs  of  the  Times."  In  the  following  Autumn 
Rev.  Levi  Baldwin  united  with  the  church  and  accepted 
the  pastoral  charge.  He  sustained  this  relation  until 
the  Spring  of  1837,  a  period  of  nearly  three  years. 
During  that  time  the  church  experienced  a  calm  and 
remained  nearly  stationary  as  to  numbers,  reporting 
some  58  communicants  to  the  Association  in  the  Au- 
tumn of  each  year.  During  this  decade  the  various 
meetings  of  the  church  were  held  at  school  houses  in 
place  of  private  dwellings  as  formerly,  and  some  66 
persons  were  baptized  on  a  profession  of  faith  and  re- 
ceived into  its  fellowship. 

The  course  of  the  church  during  the  next  ten  years 
was  relieved  by  a  protracted  season  of  revival  and  also 
chastened  by  unpleasant  cases  of  discipline.  At  the 
beginning  of  this  period  the  church  was  enjoying  peace 
and  an  occasional  sermon  from  Revs.  Charles  and  John 
Miller.  Their  visits  were  timely  and  valuable.  About 
this  time  Mr.  John  Gr.  Wetherby  was  appointed  clerk 
of  the  church.  In  February,  1839,  Rev.  James  Clark 
visited  the  place  and  preached  on  two  Sabbaths.  The 
state  of  his  health,  however,  prevented  his  baptizing 
two  brethren  who  were  received  as  candidates  for  that 
ordinance.  In  March,  Rev.  Wm.  K.  Mott  commenced 
preaching  for  the  church  and  continued  his  labors  until 
the  following  Winter.  His  efforts  were  not  in  vain  but 
were  attended  with  immediate  and  marked  results.  The 
members  were  revived  and  a  large  number  of  the  im- 
penitent were  led  to  seek  salvation.  He  baptized  three 
converts  on  his  first  visit,  and  twenty-five  in  April  fol- 


124  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

lowing,  thus  continuing  to  administer  the  ordinance 
from  month  to  month,  until  the  church  reported  to  the 
Association  in  the  following  Autumn,  70  baptisms  and 
117  communicants.  During  this  meeting  discipline 
was  also  restored  and  delinquents  were  admonished. 
On  the  29th  of  June,  Messrs.  Levi  Sylvius,  Robert 
Berry  and  Nathan  Callender  were  chosen  Deacons  of 
the  church.  In  September  following  Rev.  James  Clark 
again  visited  the  place  and  soon  after  accepted  the 
pastoral  care  of  the  church,  dividing  his  labors  chiefly 
between  this  and  the  Benton  Church.  He  sustained 
this  relation  for  some  two  years  with  great  faithfulness. 
The  church  reported  to  the  Association  in  the  Fall  of 
1840,  13  baptisms  and  126  communicants.  On  the 
8th  of  May,  1841,  Mr.  Nathan  Callender  was  licensed 
"to  improve  his  gift  in  the  Zion  of  God,"  and  on  the 
5th  of  September  following,  Mr.  James  P.  Stalbird 
was  also  granted  "  liberty  to  improve"  in  the  same 
manner. 

About  this  time  Rev.  William  K.  Mott  became  pastor 
of  the  church,  dividing  his  labors  between  this  field 
and  that  at  Pittston.  He  continued  to  serve  the  cause 
in  this  relation  during  some  six  years  with  much  effi- 
ciency and  measurable  success.  In  the  Autumn  of 
1842,  the  church  reported  to  the  Association,  10  bap- 
tisms and  132  communicants.  This  was  the  culmina- 
ting point  in  its  numerical  prosperity.  On  the  4th  of 
April,  1843,  27  members  were  dismissed  to  form  a 
church  at  Blakely.  During  this  and  a  few  subsequent 
years,  a  number  of  persons  were  excluded  from  the 
church.  On  the  3d  of  January,  1846,  it  was  "resolved 
that,  in  the  opinion  of  this  church,  a  connection  with 


SCOTT   VALLEY    CHURCH.  125 

the  Society  called  '  Odd  Fellows,'  is  inconsistent  with 
a  standing  and  fellowship  in  the  church  of  Jesus 
Christ."  After  an  unpleasant  experience,  however,  of 
some  nine  years,  the  church  rescinded  this  resolution 
but  not  without  giving  great  offence  to  some,  especially 
to  one  of  the  Deacons,  who  immediately  abandoned  the 
church.  On  the  23d  of  June,  184T,  Mr.  Nathan  Cal- 
lender  was  ordained  to  the  Gospel  ministry  by  a  council 
of  brethren  convened  for  that  purpose.  He  succeeded 
Mr.  Mott  as  supply  of  the  church,  but  sustained  that 
relation  only  a  short  period.  The  church  reported  to 
the  Association  in  the  following  Autumn,  one  baptism 
and  91  communicants.  It  had  received  during  this 
decade  108  persons  by  baptism. 

The  course  of  the  church  during  the  next  ten  years 
was  quite  uniform,  presenting  few  changes  and  furnish- 
ing few  incidents  of  especial  interest  or  importance.  In 
January,  1848,  Rev.  Daniel  E.  Bowen  is  named  as  pas- 
tor of  the  church.  In  the  following  month  he  took 
letters  of  dismission  for  himself  and  three  sisters,  for 
the  purpose  of  uniting  with  a  few  others  in  forming  an 
English  church  at  Carbondale.  From  this  time  until 
October,  1849,  the  church  was  destitute  of  regular 
preaching,  when  the  services  of  Mr.  Wm.  A.  Miller 
were  secured  as  a  stated  supply.  On  the  27th  of 
March,  1850,  he  was  ordained  as  pastor  of  the  church, 
a  relation  he  sustain  eduntil  December,  1855,  when  he 
resigned  his  charge  and  retired  from  the  field,  generally 
esteemed  as  a  faithful  minister.  Under  his  labors  the 
cause  was  measurably  prospered  and  frequent  additions 
were  received.  During  the  Summer  and  Autumn  of 
1852,  a  gentle  and  general  shower  of  grace  descended 


126  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

on  the  church  and  community.  The  members  were 
graciously  revived  and  a  number  of  the  impenitent  were 
hopefully  converted.  The  church  reported  to  the  Asso- 
ciation in  the  Fall  of  that  year,  27  baptisms  and  107 
communicants.  In  1853,  nine  persons  were  received  by 
baptism,  increasing  the  total  membership  of  the  church 
to  112,  a  higher  number  than  was  reported  in  any  sub- 
sequent year.  On  the  6th  of  Dec,  1855,  the  name  of 
the  church  was  changed  from  Greenfield  to  Scott  Val- 
ley, to  correspond  with  a  change  previously  made  in  the 
name  of  the  Township,  and  indicate  the  usual  place  of 
holding  meetings.  In  May,  1856,  the  pastoral  services 
of  Rev.  Rial  Tower  were  secured  for  one-half  of  the 
time.  He  still  labors  for  the  church  in  that  relation. 
The  church  reported  to  the  Association  in  the  following 
Autumn,  12  excluded  and  65  as  their  total  membership, 
reduced  to  61  in  the  following  year.  In  January,  1857, 
the  name  of  Mr.  M.  L.  Miller  first  occurs  as  clerk  of 
the  church  in  place  of  Mr.  Wetherby,  resigned  and  re- 
moved from  the  place.  On  the  23d  of  April  of  this 
year,  their  house  of  worship,  a  neat  and  commodious 
building,  was  dedicated  in  the  midst  of  a  snow  storm  so 
unpleasant  that  few  attended  the  interesting  services. 
During  this  closing  decade  55  persons  were  added  to 
the  church  by  baptism,  making  a  total  of  215  since  its 
organization. 


FIRST   CLIFFORD    CHURCH.  127 

FIRST  CLIFFORD  CHURCH. 

At  an  early  period,  Baptist  views,  variously  shaded, 
were  introduced  among  the  scattered  settlers  of  an  un- 
defined region  formerly  known  as  "Elkwoods."  It 
is,  however,  presumed  that  the  present  township  of 
Clifford,  Susquehanna  county,  Penna.,  embraces  the 
southern  portion  of  that  region  formerly  designated  by 
this  suggestive  name. 

As  early  as  1802,  Rev  Epaphras  Thompson,  then 
pastor  of  the  "First  Baptist  Church  of  Wayne  coun- 
ty," commenced  preaching  occasionally  in  this  portion 
of  Elkwoods  and  adjacent  settlements.  His  labors  were 
blessed  in  the  conversion  of  souls.  A  number  of  per- 
sons scattered  over  this  wild  region  and  baptized  by 
Mr.  Thompson,  were  received  as  members  and  organ- 
ized as  a  branch  of  the  church  of  which  he  was  the 
esteemed  pastor.  Previous  to  the  Summer  of  1806, 
perhaps  in  the  Spring  of  that  year,  Mr.  Gideon  Lewis, 
then  living  in  Elkwoods,  was  ordained  as  an  Evangelist 
with  especial  reference  to  the  spiritual  interests  of  this 
branch.  The  members  gathered  in  this  settlement 
under  the  labors  of  Messrs.  Thompson  and  Lewis, 
practiced  "Free  Communion,"  but  in  other  respects 
their  principles  and  practices  were  in  harmony  with 
those  of  Regular  Baptists. 

In  the  Autumn  of  1802,  as  is  believed,  Rev.  John 
Miller,  of  Abington,  also  commenced  preaching  occa- 
sionally in  the  southern  portion  of  Elkwoods.  He  held 
a  meeting  in  the  log  cabin  of  Mr.  Amos  Harding,  at 
what  is  now  Clifford  Corners,  on  the  4th  Sabbath  of 
June,  1803,  and  probably  baptized  one  or  more  con- 


128  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

verts.  On  the  2d  Sabbath  of  July,  1804,  Mr.  Adam 
Miller  and  his  wife,  parents  of  Rev.  Charles  Miller, 
becoming  dissatisfied  with  "free  communion,"  were  re- 
ceived as  members  of  Abington  Church,  recommended 
by  "  Mr.  Thompson's  church  as  baptized  persons." 
Others  also  residing  in  Elkwoods,  perceiving  the  incon- 
sistency of  inviting  "to  the  Lord's  Table  such  persons  as 
they  would  not  receive  to  membership  in  the  church, 
broke  from  their  moorings  and  drifted  in  the  same  di- 
rection. These  and  others  who  were  baptized  from 
time  to  time,  were  finally  organized  as  a  branch  of 
Abington  Church,  with  the  privilege  of  holding  cove- 
nant meetings  and  enjoying  occasional  preaching  by 
the  pastor  of  the  parent  church.  Mr.  James  Hulse 
one  of  the  principal  Deacons  of  that  church,  lived  in 
the  Elkwoods  and  led  the  meetings  of  this  branch  when 
destitute  of  preaching.  In  1812,  Mr.  Ira  Justin  united 
with  this  branch  and  soon  commenced  preaching  for 
them,  alternating  with  Rev.  John  Miller. 

Thus  Baptist  principles  were  planted  and  pruned  in 
this  comparative  wilderness,  until  a  sufficient  number  of 
members  were  gathered  and  trained  to  organize  as  an 
independent  body.  In  the  midst  of  a  gracious  revival, 
a  council  of  brethren  from  Abington,  Palmyra,  Mt. 
Pleasant,  Bethany  and  Greenfield  churches,  was  called 
to  recognize  them  as  a  Gospel  church.  The  council 
of  recognition  convened  in  the  "  Union  School  house," 
on  Monday,  October  20th,  1817,  and  organized  by  ap- 
pointing Rev.  John  Miller  moderator,  and  Mr.  Ephraim 
Torrey  clerk.  Thirty-four  persons  then  presented 
themselves  with  their  letters  of  dismission  from  Abing- 
ton Church,  together  with  their  Articles  of  Faith  and 


FIRST   CLIFFORD   CHURCH.  129 

Covenant,  and  after  the  usual  examination,  were  recog- 
nized by  the  council  as  the  Baptist  Church  of  Clifford, 
by  appropriate  public  services. 

The  church  commenced  its  course  with  a  prospect  of 
much  prosperity  and  usefulness.  The  clerk  of  the 
council  made  the  following  record  in  his  private  memo- 
randum: "  The  glorious  work  is  going  on  in  a  neighbor- 
hood lately  notorious  for  vice  and  immorality."  During 
the  progress  of  this  revival  a  comparatively  large  num- 
ber were  hopefully  converted  and  admitted  to  member- 
ship. Mr.  Ira  Justin,  a  licentiate  of  the  church 
continued  to  supply  them  with  much  acceptance.  On 
the  15th  of  November  following,  Mr.  James  Reaves 
was  appointed  Deacon  of  the  church — in  the  following 
year  having  taken  a  letter  of  dismission,  he  was  suc- 
ceeded in  that  office  by  Mr.  Eliab  Farnam  who  con- 
tinued to  serve  the  cause  in  that  relation  until  his 
decease,  March  30,  1854 — a  period  of  thirty-six  years. 
When  the  church  united  with  the  Association  in  the 
Autumn  of  1818,  they  reported  40  baptisms  and  76 
communicants.  During  the  following  year  three  per- 
sons were  added  to  the  church  by  baptism,  increasing  its 
membership  to  83 ;  in  1820,  some  30  members  were 
dismissed  to  form  a  Baptist  Colony  in  the  State  of  Ohio, 
leaving  the  church  with  but  55  communicants.  In  the 
Autumn  of  this  year,  the  Association  met  for  the  first 
time  with  this  church ;  on  the  second  day  of  its  session 
Mr.  Ira  Justin  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry 
and  as  pastor  of  the  church,  a  relation  be  sustained  for 
some  four  years,  at  the  close  of  which  he  resigned  his 
charge  and  removed  to  Western  New  York.  The  church, 
left  destitute  of  a  pastor  for  some  three  years  subse- 


130  HISTORICAL     SKETCHES. 

quent,  gradually  declined  in  spiritual  life  but  remained 
nearly  stationary  as  to  numerical  strength.  In  1826, 
Mr.  Charles  Miller,  one  of  the  constituent  members, 
began  to  "  improve  his  gift"  and  supply  the  church. 
"At  this  point,"  says  one,  "we  took  courage  and 
resolved  to  build  a  house  for  the  worship  of  God.  After 
holding  two  meetings  for  business,  we  secured  a  suitable 
site  for  the  house  and  raised  a  subscription  of  nineteen 
dollars,  payable  to  Charles  Miller,  in  cash,  labor  and 
maple  sugar.  With  this  we  commenced  building ; 
some  of  the  high  minded  laughed  at  us  but  when  they 
saw  us  go  about  the  work  with  all  hands  and  good 
courage,  they  came  to  our  aid  and  gave  us  a  pledge  of 
five  hundred  dollars.  This  strengthened  our  hands  and 
the  Lord  encouraged  our  hearts."  The  house  was  not 
yet  completed  in  the  Autumn  of  1830.  It  was  built  of 
wood,  38  by  40  feet  on  the  ground,  at  a  total  cost  of 
about  twelve  hundred  dollars.  It  is  pleasantly  situated 
in  a  small  village  at  Clifford  Corners. 

The  church  entered  upon  the  next  ten  years  with 
ample  facilities  for  increasing  usefulness.  They  were 
erecting  a  convenient  house  of  worship  and  enjoying  a 
stated  supply.  In  1829,  Rev.  James  Clark  came  to 
their  aid  and  preached  with  marked  success  and  faith- 
fulness. Under  his  labors  a  number  of  sinners  were 
hopefully  converted.  The  church  reported  to  the  Asso- 
ciation in  the  Fall  of  this  year,  15  baptisms  and  66 
communicants.  On  the  second  day  of  the  annual  meet- 
ing of  the  Association,  which  was  held  with  this  church 
in  the  Autumn  of  1830,  Mr.  Charles  Miller  was  ordained 
to  the  ministry  of  the  Word  and  as  pastor  of  the  church. 
He  has  sustained  this  relation  with  occasional  intervals, 


FIRST   CLIFFORD  CHURCH.  131 

until  the  present  time.  He  has  uniformly  enjoyed  the 
esteem  and  confidence  of  the  church  and  community. 
His  labors  and  influence  have  not  been  entirely  confined 
to  his  immediate  charge  but  have  extended  over  a  com- 
paratively wide  field.  Under  his  ministry  the  church 
enjoyed  uniform  prosperity  and  made  gradual  progress 
until  1834,  when  it  was  divided  and  distracted  in  its 
counsels  by  the  influence  of  Anti-nomianism.  This  dis- 
turbance continued  to  annoy  the  church  and  retard  its 
progress  for  some  two  or  three  years,  during  which  a 
number  of  members,  were  excluded  and  but  few  were 
added  by  baptism.  However,  near  the  close  of  this 
decade,  peace  was  restored  and  prosperity  again  began 
to  smile  on  the  cause. 

The  next  ten  years,  commencing  with  1838,  embrace 
the  most  prosperous  portion  of  the  history  of  this 
church.  This  was  the  culminating  period  of  its  numeri- 
cal strength.  In  1839,  a  precious  revival  was  enjoyed 
under  the  faithful  labors  of  the  pastor.  "  The  Holy 
Spirit,"  says  our  informant,  "  was  poured  out  like  the 
dews  of  heaven,"  gently  distilling  and  greatly  refresh- 
ing the  thirsty  soil.  The  church  reported  to  the  Asso- 
ciation in  the  Autumn  of  this  year,  28  baptisms  and 
99  communicants — increased  to  109  in  the  following 
year.  Near  the  close  of  1841,  seven  members  were 
dismissed  to  unite  in  forming  the  Second  Clifford 
Church.  In  February,  1843,  Rev.  Henry  Curtis,  of 
Bethany,  came  to  the  assistance  of  the  pastor  and 
"preached  the  Word  with  marked  power."  The 
church  reported  to  the  Association  in  the  following 
Autumn,  13  baptisms  and  113  communicants — its  maxi- 
mum number.     In  1846  Mr.  William  A.  Miller,  son  of 


132  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

the  pastor,  was  licensed  to  "improve  his  gift"  in 
preaching  the  Gospel.  In  1847,  the  pastor  having 
been  confined  at  home  for  a  long  time  to  watch  by  the 
bed-side  of  an  invalid  wife,  Rev.  Almon  Virgil  accepted 
an  invitation  to  supply  the  church  one-half  of  the 
time  for  one  year.  Under  his  efficient  labors  the 
church  prosperously  closed  its  third  decade. 

In  1848  the  church  entered  upon  the  concluding  ten 
years  of  its  history  with  100  communicants.  This 
period  is  marked  by  a  general  and  gradual  decline  in 
numerical  prosperity.  The  pastor,  Rev.  Charles  Mil- 
ler, continued  to  supply  the  church  so  far  as  his  domes- 
tic afflictions  would  permit.  In  1850  Mr.  Robert  P. 
Hartly,  a  licentiate,  accepted  an  invitation  to  preach 
for  the  church  for  one  year.  He  was  ordained  as 
pastor,  May  1st,  1851,  but  soon  resigned  his  charge 
and  removed  from  the  field.  This  was  followed  by  a 
season  of  refreshing,  during  which  a  number  of  persons 
professed  faith  in  Christ  and  identified  themselves  with 
his  cause.  In  the  Summer  of  this  year  eight  members 
were  dismissed  to  unite  with  others  in  forming  the 
Union  Church  at  East  Clifford.  The  church  reported 
to  the  Association  in  the  following  Autumn,  15  dismis- 
sions, 16  baptisms  and  99  communicants.  Few  changes 
marked  the  course  "of  the  church  until  1856,  when 
Rev.  Wm.  A.  Miller  is  reported  as  pastor  of  the  church. 
They  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association  of  this  year, 
that  they  are  surrounded  by  various  isms,  and  great 
dearth  prevails  in  their  midst,  which  have  checked  the 
growth,  if  not  endangered  the  lives  of  the  plants  of 
grace.  They  are,  however,  encouraged  by  the  promise, 
"  They  that  be  planted  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  shall 


FIRST   CLIFFORD  CHURCH.  133 

flourish  in  the  courts  of  our  God."  Their  former 
pastor,  Rev.  Charles  Miller,  on  account  of  peculiar 
cares,  has  retired  from  active  service,  but  they  enjoy 
the  pastoral  labors  of  Rev.  William  A.  Miller  one-half 
of  the  time.  In  1857,  Rev  A.  0.  Stearns  became 
pastor  of  the  church,  dividing  his  labors  between  this 
and  the  Union  Church.  They  report  to  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  Autumn  of  this  year,  16  erasures  and  62 
communicants,  and  say  in  their  letter  that  Father 
Charles  Miller  continues  to  preach  for  them  occasionally 
as  health  and  strength  permit.  It  is  now  forty  years 
since  this  church  was  constituted.  During  that  time, 
besides  those  already  named,  the  following  brethren 
have  served  as  Deacons,  each  but  for  a  short  time,  on 
account  of  removals  and  other  causes,  viz.,  James 
Wells,  David  Mackey,  Alfred  Merriman  and  D.  W. 
Halsted.  Mr.  Franklin  Finn,  elected  to  this  office, 
February  20th,  1841,  still  serves  the  cause  in  that  ca- 
pacity. Also,  during  that  period  175  persons  have  been 
baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  this  church* 
12 


134  IIISTOHICAL    SKETCHES. 

FIRST  DAMASCUS  CHURCH. 

In  the  Autumn  of  1820,  Rev.  John  Smitzer  visited 
Damascus  and  vicinity,  but  was  not  invited  to  preach  on 
account  of  his  views  on  the  limitations  of  communion. 
However,  after  a  mission  of  four  weeks  in  Bethany  and 
adjacent  settlements,  on  his  return  to  New  York  he 
called  at  the  residence  of  Mr.  Stephen  Mitchell,  who 
was  not  then  a  professor  of  religion.  His  wife,  how- 
ever, had  once  belonged  to  the  same  church  with  Mr. 
Smitzer,  who  had  been  appointed  to  labor  with  her 
for  uniting  with  a  Free  Communion  Baptist  church. 
At  this  interview  he  also  formed  the  acquaintance  of 
three  other  sisters  of  that  society,  with  whom  he  held 
a  protracted  conversation,  at  the  close  of  which  he  as- 
sured them  that  the  time  would  come  when  some  Pres- 
byterian minister  would  preach  to  a  church  of  that 
order,  and  hold  up  the  ordinance  of  baptism  by  immer- 
sion as  most  absurd  and  ridiculous,  and  then  invite  them 
to  the  communion.  These  sisters  would  not  admit  that 
such  a  circumstance  could  ever  occur.  It,  however,  did 
occur  some  six  weeks  from  the  time  the  prediction  was 
made,  which  so  grieved  these  four  sisters  that  they 
retired  to  the  burying  ground  near  the  meeting  house 
and  gave  vent  to  their  feelings  in  mutual  tears.  This 
cured  them  of  open  communion.  A  number  of  others 
belonging  to  the  Free  Communion  Baptist  church  soon 
sympathized  with  them  in  their  trials,  and  finally 
adopted  similar  opinions,  among  whom  were  Rev. 
Enoch  Owen,  and  Mr.  David  Corwin,  since  an  able 
minister  of  the  Gospel. 

Early  in   the   Autumn  of   the   following  year,   Mr, 


FIRST    DAMASCUS    CHURCH.  135 

Smitzer  having  been  appointed  by  the  Missionary  So- 
ciety in  New  York,  to  labor  in  Wayne  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, again  visited  Damascus  and  commenced  preach- 
ing  with   marked   efficiency   and  success.     Under  his 
labors  a  number  of  the  impenitent  were  soon  hopefully 
converted,  and  some  twelve  persons,  formerly  connected 
with  other  churches,  were  organized  as  a  regular  Bap- 
tist church,  adopting  the  Articles  of  Faith  and  church 
covenant  of  the  Bethel  Baptist  Church  of  New  York. 
A  council  of  recognition  was  convened  at  Damascus, 
Wayne  county,  Pennsylvania,  August  26th,  1821,  com- 
posed, as  is  believed,  of  Rev.  Elijah  Peck,  of  Mt.  Pleas- 
ant, Deas.  Ephraim  Torrey  and  Osborn  Olmsted  and 
Mr.  Jonathan  Jennings  of  Bethany.     Nineteen  persons, 
five  males  and  fourteen  females,  seven  of  whom  were 
baptized  in  the  Delaware  by  Mr.  Smitzer  on  the  same 
day,  presented  themselves  with  their  Articles  of  'Faith 
and  were  recognized  as  the  regular  Baptist  church  of 
Damascus,  by  appropriate  and  impressive  religious  ser- 
vices.    The  sermon  was  preached  by  Mr.  Smitzer  from 
Zech.  iv  :  10.   "  For  who  hath  despised  the  day  of  small 
things,"     after    which    the    crowded    congregation    for 
greater  convenience,  withdrew  from  the  *  meeting  house 
to  an  adjoining  grove,  under  whose  overshadowing  trees 
with  their  wide  spreading  branches,  this  little  band,  with 


*  This  meetiDg  house,  the  first  owned  and  occupied  by  any  church  of  the 
Association,  was  built  in  1800,  by  Dea.  Thomas  Shields,  of  Philadelphia,  and 
with  the  lot  on  which  it  stands,  deeded  to  certain  persons  in  trust  for  the  use 
of  a  Regular  Baptist  church  and  society  when  organized.  Accordingly,  soon 
after  the  Damascus  Church  was  organized,  a  charter  was  obtained,  and  trus- 
tees were  appointed,  to  whom  the  house  and  lot  were  deeded.  This  house 
was  occupied  for  years  by  the  church  and  is  still  standing  on  the  north  side 
of  the  turnpike,  near  a  quarter  of  a  mile  west  of  the  present  meeting  house, 
as  a  lusting  monument  to  the  far  reaching  faith  of  its  benevolent  donor. 


130  HISTORICAL     SKETCHES, 

united  hearts  and  hands,  entered  into  solemn  covenant 
with  God  and  each  other.  The  hand  of  fellowship  was 
then  extended  to  them  by  Rev.  Elijah  Peck,  on  behalf 
of  the  council.  The  congregation  now  returned  to  the 
meeting  house,  when  the  church  and  council  united  in 
celebrating  the  Lord's  Supper,  after  which  these  solemn 
services  were  closed  by  singing  the  Union  Hymn,  com- 
mencing, "From  whence  doth  this  union  arise." 

Thus  organized  and  provided  with  a  pastor,  under 
whose  labors  they  had  been  gathered,  the  brethren  pro- 
ceeded to  appoint  other  necessary  officers.  On  the  8th 
of  September,  Mr.  Jonathan  Yerkes  was  chosen  clerk, 
and  on  the  3d  of  the  next  November,  Mr.  Isaac  Brown 
was  unanimously  elected  Deacon  of  the  church.  At  a 
subsequent  meeting  delegates  were  appointed  to  repre- 
sent the  church  at  the  Association,  in  the  Autumn  of 
1822,  and  request  admission  into  that  body.  The  re- 
quest was  granted  and  the  church  with  44  communicants 
was  admitted  into  the  Association,  Rev.  Enoch  Owen, 
one  of  their  messengers,  receiving  the  hand  of  fellow- 
ship. 

At  a  meeting  for  business,  October  12th,  of  that 
year,  Mr.  David  Corwin  related  his  exercises  before 
the  church,  with  reference  to  the  work  of  the  ministry. 
The  brethren  were  at  first  in  much  doubt  as  to  granting 
him  a  license,  since  he  was  afflicted  with  an  impediment 
in  his  speech  and  was  also  quite  illiterate,  being  unable 
to  even  read  a  hymn  or  a  chapter  intelligibly.  He, 
however,  was  not  offended  or  disheartened.  Upon  the 
second  or  third  trial  he  stood  up  before  the  church 
with  tears  and  declared  in  the  fervor  of  his  soul,  that 
it  was  the  absorbing  and  controling  desire  of  his  heart 


FIRST    DAMASCUS   CHURCH.  137 

to  preach  the  everlasting  Gospel,  it  being  his  solemn 
and  abiding  conviction  that  God,  by  his  Holy  Spirit, 
was  calling  him  to  this  great  and  glorious  work,  but  if 
this  privilege  should  be  denied  him,  he  had  delivered  his 
own  soul ;  the  entire  and  fearful  responsibility  was  now 
rolled  upon  the  church.  The  appeal  was  effectual.  He 
was  finally  licensed  to  preach  the  Gospel.  From  this 
period,  by  diligent  study  and  constant  exercise  of  his 
ministerial  gifts,  he  began  to  rapidly  improve  in  know- 
ledge and  efficiency.  He  has  since  been  the  successful 
pastor  of  a  number  of  large  churches  in  an  adjoining 
State  and  is  still  an  able  and  influential  minister  of  the 
New  Testament.  The  writer  remembers  meeting  him, 
perhaps  in  1852,  at  "Burnt  Hills,"  in  New  York,  when 
he  heard  him  declare  in  presence  of  a  number  of  his 
brethren  in  the  ministry,  in  fitting  and  fervent  words, 
his  increasing  love  and  appreciation  of  the  responsible 
work  of  the  Christian  ministry.  Raising  his  manly 
form,  with  a  smile  on  his  countenance,  he  said  in  sub- 
stance that  the  longer  he  preached  the  Gospel,  the  more 
he  loved  the  work ;  it  was,  indeed,  a  great  privilege,  an 
exalted  service,  worthy  of  the  tongue  and  talents  of  an 
Angel.     Such  was,  and  is,  David  Corwin. 

On  the  7th  of  December,  1822,  Mr,  Stephen  Mitchell 
was  chosen  Deacon  of  the  church,  and  on  the  8th  of  Feb- 
ruary following,  he  was  ordained  to  that  office,  together 
with  Mr.  Isaac  Brown,  previously  appointed.  The  or- 
daining prayer  was  offered  by  Mr.  Owen,  and  the 
charge  to  the  candidates  was  given  by  the  pastor.  The 
Association  met  with  this  church  for  the  first  time,  in 
the  Autumn  of  1824,  when  they  report  12  received  by 
baptism  and  86  as  their  total  membership.      On  the  9th 


138  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

of  July,  1825,  Mr.  John  T.  Mitchell  was  chosen  clerk 
of  the  church,  in  place  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Yerkes,  re- 
signed. 

On  the  11  th  of  March,  1826,  Mr.  Smitzer  resigned 
his  charge  of  the  church  and  retired  from  the  Associa- 
tion. Under  his  faithful  labors  the  church  had  been 
formed  and  fostered.  During  the  first  year  of  his 
settlement,  he  supplied  this  church  once  a  month,  de- 
voting the  remainder  of  his  time  to  the  cause  in  Beth- 
any and  Canaan.  During  the  subsequent  years,  his 
labors  were  equally  divided  between  this  and  Bethany 
Church.  For  the  first  four  years  a  constant  revival 
was  enjoyed  in  the  Damascus  Church  ;  but  two  cove- 
nant meetings  occurring  without  some  one  or  more 
asking  admission,  and  but  four  months  passing  without 
some  one  or  more  being  baptized.  Thus  the  church 
grew  and  members  multiplied  under  his  zealous  labors. 
Among  the  apparent  causes  of  his  efficiency  and  success, 
aside  from  his  preaching,  were  his  pastoral  visits  from 
house  to  house,  and  particular  care  to  exercise  a  faith- 
ful discipline. 

The  church  was  now  destitute  of  a  pastor,  but  was 
supplied  a  portion  of  the  time  by  Rev.  Enoch  Owen,  a 
resident  minister  and  constituent  member.  Rev.  Ho- 
race Jones  was  the  second  pastor  of  the  church.  His 
labors  commenced  in  May,  1827,  and  continued  about 
three  years.  During  the  first  two  years  a  portion  of  his 
time  was  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  cause  at  Canaan. 
Under  his  labors  few  changes  occurred  in  the  church  of 
general  interest.  On  the  24th  of  April,  1830,  Mr. 
Samuel  Hedden  was  chosen  Deacon  of  the  church  and 
still  holds  that  office. 


FIRST    DAMASCUS    CHURCH.  139 

Rev.  Charles  H.  Hubbard  was  the  third  pastor  of  the 
church.  He  sustained  this  relation  from  December, 
1830,  to  February,  1834,  a  period  of  about  three  years. 
His  labors  were  chiefly  divided  between  this  and  the 
Bethany  Church.  During  a  temporary  absence  from 
the  people  of  his  charge,  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by 
Mr.  Robert  C.  Brisbane,  a  licensed  minister.  In  the 
year  1832,  the  church  erected  a  house  of  worship,  which 
was  dedicated  November  7th,  of  the  same  year.  But 
two  ministers  were  present,  the  pastor  and  Rev.  Zelotes 
Grenell,  of  Orange  County,  New  York.  The  latter 
preached  the  dedication  sermon  from  Ps.  26  :  8.  The 
following  record  is  from  the  pen  of  the  pastor.  "  Ac- 
cording to  previous  appointment,  the  meeting  was 
continued  during  seven  days.  Brethren  in  the  minis- 
try expected,  did  not  arrive,  and  Bro.  Grenell  was  under 
the  necessity  of  leaving  on  the  second  day  of  the  meet- 
ing. The  friends  of  Zion  began  to  tremble  for  the 
result  of  the  effort,  yet  urgently  sought  help  at  the 
throne  of  grace.  God  heard  and  answered  prayer ;  his 
Spirit  'came  down  like  rain  on  the  mown  grass.'  A 
number  of  backsliders  were  reclaimed,  and  impenitent 
hopefully  converted  during  the  meeting,  and  at  its  close 
others  were  still  inquiring  the  way  to  Zion." 

In  January,  1832,  the  pastor  was  aided  in  a  series  of 
meetings  by  Rev.  Joseph  H.  Chamberlain ;  also  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1834,  a  meeting  of  days  was  held,  conducted 
chiefly  by  Revs.  Henry  Curtis,  S.  P.  Griswold  and  J. 
H.  Chamberlain,  during  which  a  refreshing  shower  of» 
grace  descended  on  this  thirsty  hill  of  Zion.  "  The 
preaching,"  as  the  record  runs,  "  was  heart-searching, 
and  many  seemed  to  feel  the  force  of  truth,  the  full 


140  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

effects  of  which  will  be  known  only  at  the  last  day." 
On  the  14th  of  May  of  that  year,  Mr.  Alfred  B.  Hub- 
bard was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  on 
the  19th  of  August  following,  *Mr.  Bezaleel  Tyler  was 
chosen  Deacon  of  the  church. 

After  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Charles  H.  Hubbard, 
the  church  was  destitute  of  stated  preaching  until  April, 
1835,  when  Rev.  Smith  Bixby  was  chosen  as  their 
fourth  pastor.  He  sustained  this  relation  until  Decem- 
ber, 1836,  when  he  sickened  and  died,  while  on  a  visit 
to  his  friends  in  Susquehanna  county,  loved  and  la- 
mented by  the  church  and  community.  At  the  time  of 
his  decease  the  church  embraced  84  communicants. 
During  an  interim  of  some  nine  months,  the  pulpit  was 
supplied  by  Mr.  John  T.  Mitchell,  who  had  received 
license  to  preach  in  1834.     In  November,  1837,  Bev. 

*  When  Mr.  Tyler  offered  himself  to  the  church  for  membership,  in  1S22 
or„'23,  he  related  the  following  dream  which  has  been  strikingly  fulfilled.  He 
had  long  felt  that  it  was  his  duty  to  be  baptized,  but  was  in  doubt  as  to  the 
propriety  of  what  is  called  Close  Communion.  He  read  and  conversed  on  the 
subject  but  was  still  left  in  doubts  and  darkness.  His  Bible  and  conscience 
seemed  to  direct  him  to  the  Regular  Baptist  Church,  but  his  feelings  and 
friends  urged  him  to  unite  with  another  denomination.  Finally  one  evening 
while  in  this  dilemma,  feeling  especially  anxious  to  know  and  do  the  Will  of 
God,  he  prayed  earnestly  that  the  Lord  would  reveal  his  duty  to  him  in  a 
dream.  Accordingly  that  night  in  his  sleep  he  dreamed  that  he  was  in  a  field 
harvesting  corn.  After  completing  three  shocks  and  considering  them  as  so 
many  denominations— the  shock  on  the  right  representing  the  Free  Will 
Baptist  Church,  that  on  the  left  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  that  in  the  cen- 
ter the  Regular  Baptist  Church— he  kneeled  near  by  them  and  prayed  that  the 
Lord  would  show  him  his  duty,  after  which  he  sat  down  to  await  and  witness 
the  result.  Presently  he  saw  a  number  of  stalks  from  the  shock  on  the  right 
fall  off  and  pass  over  to  the  shock  in  the  centre,  thus  continuing  until  the 
shock  on  the  right  was  so  reduced  that  it  fell  on  the  ground.  He  also  saw  a 
lew  stalks  from  the  shock  on  the  left  fall  away  and  unite  with  that  in  the 
centre,  and  what  remained  soon  became  dry  and  husky.  When  he  awoke  he 
felt  that  though  it  was  only  a  dream  yet  it  was  in  answer  to  prayer  and  should  » 
satisfy  his  mind  as  to  his  duty.  He  accordingly  offered  himself  to  the  First 
Damascus  Church,  the  one  represented  by  the  shock  in  the  centre. 


FIRST    DAMASCUS    CHURCH.  141 

Joseph  Currin  became  the  fifth  pastor  of  the  church, 
and  continued  to  serve  the  cause  in  that  relation  until 
April,  1889,  when  the  church  report  some  80  as  their 
total  membership.  August  25th,  1838,  was  observed 
as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  in  view  of  the  low  state 
of  Zion.  During  the  ensuing  Autumn,  some  15  souls 
were  hopefully  converted  and  gathered  into  the  fold  of 
Christ. 

Rev.  Henry  Curtis  was  the  sixth  pastor  of  this 
church.  His  labors  commenced  in  May,  1839,  and 
were  divided  between  this  and  the  Bethany  Church.  In 
the  following  Autumn,  the  Association  held  its  second 
meeting  with  this  church.  On  the  23d  of  November 
following,  Mr.  Geo.  S.  Young  was  chosen  clerk  of  the 
church,  in  place  of  Mr.  John  T.  Mitchell,  who  was  or- 
dained on  the  28th  of  the  same  month,  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  Rev.  John  Miller  moderator  of  the  coun- 
cil, preaching  the  sermon  from  Acts  11 :  24.  In 
January,  1840,  a  series  of  meetings  were  held,  in 
which  the  abundant  labors  of  the  pastor,  aided  by  Rev. 
Win.  K.  Mott,  were  greatly  blessed  in  the  descent  of 
the  Spirit  and  conversion  of  souls.  Special  labor  was 
subsequently  performed  by  the  pastor,  in  connection 
with  some  of  the  members  in  the  vicinity  of  Ten  Mile 
River.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  poured  out  upon 
that  hitherto  neglected  neighborhood  and  many  believ- 
ing, were  baptized.  As  the  result  of  these  labors  chiefly, 
a  church  was  constituted  in  that  place  on  the  18th  of  the 
following  August,  with  29  communicants.  'In  March, 
1841,  the  pastor,  aided  by  Mr.  Mitchell,  held  a  meeting 
of  days  in  the  "  South  Settlement,"  within  the  bounds 
of  the  church,  in  which  the  people  of  God,  in  that  sec- 


142  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

tion,  were  refreshed  and  made  to  rejoice  in  beholding 
repenting  sinners  turning  to  God.  In  the  Autumn  of 
1843,  the  Association  convened  for  the  third  time  with 
this  church.  In  February,  1844,  the  pastor,  aided  by 
some  Aarons  and  Hurs,  labored  for  some  weeks  in  the 
destitute  district  of  Callicoon,  New  York.  •  The  eiforts 
of  the  servants  of  God  were  blessed,  and  their  hearts 
made  to  rejoice  in  an  abundant  harvest  of  souls.  Not 
only  in  that  place  was  the  power  of  God  manifested,  but 
the  Holy  Spirit,  like  one  continuous  wave  of  mercy, 
passed  over  this  entire  region,  refreshing  the  hearts  of 
the  people  of  God  and  sweetly  inclining  many  of  the 
ungodly  to  seek  the  salvation  of  their  souls.  In  Febru- 
ary, 1845,  Mr.  John  S.  Dodge  was  licensed  to  "  im- 
prove his  ministerial  gifts  in  the  doctrine  of  our  Lord 
wherever  God  in  his  providence  may  open  a  door."  On 
the  15th  of  June,  1847,  a  church  was  organized  at  Cal- 
licoon, of  21  members,  dismissed  chiefly  from  this  church. 
On  the  3d  of  February,  1849,  Rev.  Henry  Curtis  re- 
signed his  charge  of  the  church  and  retired  from  the 
field,  where  he  had  preached  the  Gospel  for  some  ten 
years  with  unabated  zeal  and  unusual  success.  ^The 
church  at  this  time  embraced  upwards  of  100  commu- 
nicants. 

After  a  brief  interim,  the  services  of  Rev.  John  T. 
Mitchell  were  engaged  for  six  months,  commencing  on 
the  16th  of  June  following.  In  view  of  the  deadly 
cholera  and  other  diseases  that  were  sweeping  over  the 
country,  the  first  Friday  of  the  ensuing  August  was 
appointed  and  observed  as  a  season  of  fasting,  humilia- 
tion and  prayer  to  God  that  he  would  graciously  re- 
strain his  righteous  judgments  and  remember  mercy  in 


FIRST   DAMASCUS    CHURCH.  143 

deserving  wrath.  Early  in  1850,  Mr.  Wm.  C.  Ulyat, 
a  licentiate,  supplied  the  desk  for  some  eight  or  ten 
weeks.  By  request,  Mr.  Mitchell  continued  his  labors 
until  May  of  that  year,  when  Rev.  Truman  0.  Judd 
became  the  seventh  pastor  of  the  church.  He  sustain- 
ed this  relation  for  two  years.  On  the  19th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1851,  a  church  was  constituted  in  West  Damascus 
of  11  members,  formerly  connected  with  this  church. 
In  the  Autumn  of  that  year,  the  church  report  three 
added  by  baptism  and  104  lis  their  total  membership, 
and  also  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association,  that  they 
are  grateful  for  the  faithful  ministrations  of  the  Word, 
but  confess  their  neglect  of  the  important  duties  it  in- 
culcates. Social  intercourse  has  been  withheld,  and 
Christian  confidence  seems  to  be  relaxing.  Mr.  Judd 
resigned  his  charge  of  the  church  in  May,  1852,  and 
retired  from  the  Association. 

Rev.  Andrew  Hopper  was  the  eighth  pastor  of  the 
church.  His  labors  commenced  in  the  Spring  of  1852, 
and  continued  until  December,  1854.  In  February, 
1853,  Mr.  George  Lukens  was  appointed  clerk  of  the 
church  in  place  of  Mr.  Young,  resigned.  During  this 
month  a  series  of  meetings  were  held  by  the  pastor,  re- 
sulting in  great  good,  verifying  the  promise,  "I  will  be 
as  the  dew  unto  Israel."  In  the  Autumn  of  1854,  the 
church  report  to  the  Association  eight  received  by  bap- 
tism and  91  as  their  total  membership,  and  also  say  in 
their  letter  that  they  deplore  the  want  of  consistency  in 
some,  yet  they  have  been  measurably  revived.  Two 
have  been  restored  to  fellowship,  and  a  few  souls  have 
been  hopefully  converted  and  added  to  the  church. 
Since  May  last,  they  have  enjoyed  the  labors  of  their 
pastor  only  one-half  of  the  time, 


144  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

Rev.  John  C.  Shearman  was  the  ninth  pastor  of  this 
church.  He  had  formerly  been  a  minister  among  the 
Six  Principle  Baptists,  but  coinciding  in  his  views  with 
the  Regular  Baptists,  he  was  admitted  to  membership  in 
the  Damascus  Church,  and  subsequently  recognized  as 
a  minister  of  the  Gospel  by  a  council  of  brethren  con- 
vened for  that  purpose.  He  supplied  the  church  once 
in  two  weeks,  for  some  time  previous  to  May,  1855, 
when  his  entire  services  were  secured.  Under  his  effi- 
cient labors,  confidence  was  restored  and  the  cause 
revived.  At  a  covenant  meeting  held  in  March  of  that 
year,  Mr.  Abijah  M.  Calkin,  for  some  twenty  years  a 
worthy  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  of  Cochec- 
ton,  N.  Y.,  offered  himself  for  membership,  and  was 
unanimously  received.  He  was  baptized  by  the  pastor 
on  the  22d  of  April  following,  and  was  soon  after  li- 
censed to  preach  the  Gospel.  He  was  ordained  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry  November  28th,  1855,  by  a  coun- 
cil of  brethren  invited  for  that  purpose.  In  the  Sum- 
mer of  that  year,  the  church  purchased  a  lot  pleasantly 
situated  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Delaware,  a  few 
rods  below  the  meeting  house,  and  erected  on  it  a  tasty 
and  convenient  parsonage,  through  the  efforts  of  the 
pastor  and  liberality  of  brethren  and  friends.  A  series 
of  meetings  were  commenced  in  January,  1856,  and 
continued  for  90  days,  conducted  by  the  pastor,  assisted 
by  Mr.  Calkin,  then  principal  of  the  Union  Academy  of 
Damascus.  During  the  progress,  however,  of  the  meet- 
ings he  resigned  his  connection  with  the  school  and 
devoted  his  entire  efforts  to  the  ministry.  When  the 
meetings  commenced  the  members  of  the  church  were 
comparatively  cold  and  careless,  but  were  soon  moved 


FIRST    DAMASCUS    CHURCH.  145 

to  earnest  prayer  and  effort  for  the  salvation  of  souls. 
Their  cry  was  heard  and  labors  blessed.  A  large  num- 
ber of  the  impenitent  were  constrained  to  seek  an  inter- 
est in  Christ  and  devote  themselves  to  his  service.  The 
church  report  to  the  Association  of  that  year,  50  re- 
ceived by  baptism  and  130  as  their  total  membership. 
In  May  of  this  year,  Messrs.  Nathan  Tyler  and  William 
E.  Raymond  were  chosen  Deacons  of  the  church,  and 
subsequently  ordained  to  that  office.  In  November 
following,  Mr.  Shearman  resigned  his  charge  of  the 
church  and  retired  from  the  field,  highly  respected  by 
the  brethren  and  community.  Rev.  A.  M.  Calkin  now 
became  the  tenth  and  sole  pastor  of  the  church,  a  rela- 
tion he  still  sustains  with  general  acceptance.  The 
Association  held  its  semi-centennial  anniversary  with 
this  church  in  the  Autumn  of  1857,  when  they  report 
6  received  by  baptism  and  132  as  their  total  member- 
ship. After  welcoming  the  Association  to  their  house 
and  homes,  they  say  in  their  letter  that  they  have  en- 
joyed a  good  degree  of  union  and  harmony  ;  the  Spirit 
of  the  Lord  still  lingers  in  their  midst,  yet  they  fear 
that  the  spirit  of  the  world  is  making  some  inroads. 
They  mourn  the  death  of  Mr.  Moses  Thomas  and  three 
others.  Mr.  Thomas  died  February  19th,  of  this  year, 
on  the  same  day  that  Rev.  John  Miller  of  Abington 
finished  his  course ;  the  one  a  pioneer  member ;  the 
other  a  pioneer  minister. 
13 


146  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES, 


SCOTT  CHURCH. 

The  township  of  Scott  is  situated  on  the  western 
side  of  the  Delaware  river,  in  the  north-eastern  corner 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  embraces  the  extreme  northern 
portion  of  Wayne  county.  Near  the  close  of  the 
eighteenth  century,  settlements  were  commenced  in 
this  wilderness  by  a  hardy  and  industrious  population, 
chiefly  from  New  England.  In  addition  to  the  neces- 
sary work  of  securing  comfortable  homes,  by  opening 
the  forest  and  erecting  log  houses  and  barns,  many  of 
the  pioneers  spent  a  portion  of  their  time  in  hunting 
and  fishing,  while  the  more  energetic  and  enterprising 
occupied  the  Winter  and  Spring  seasons  in  lumbering 
and  rafting.  It  is  not  uncommon  to  read  in  the  early 
records  of  this  church  during  the  months  of  March 
and  April :  "  No  covenant  meeting — most  of  the  breth- 
ren gone  down  the  river." 

Among  the  early  settlers  of  this  region  was  a  num- 
ber of  regular  Baptists.  Mr.  Ezekiel  Sampson,  a 
licensed  minister,  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  this  wil- 
derness. As  early  as  January  1st,  1796,  he  rode  on 
horseback  some  twenty  miles,  guided  by  marked  trees, 
and  officiated  at  the  first  marriage  in  Mt.  Pleasant. 
The  parties  were  Mr.  Silas  Kellogg  and  the  eldest 
daughter  of  Mr.  Jirah  Mumford.  Messrs.  John  and 
Benjamin  Whitaker  were  also  among  the  early  settlers 
of  this  vicinity,  and  were  esteemed  members  of  the 
Baptist  church  of  Tompkins — now  Deposit — up  the  river 
in  the  State  of  New  York,  the  former  of  whom  is 
still  living,  at  an  advanced  age.  It  was  this  John 
Whitaker  who  so  generously  carried  a  stranger  across 


SCOTT   CHURCH.  147 

the  Delaware  river,  on  his  shoulders,  in  the  Autumn 
of  1801.  He  knew  not  at  the  time  how  unnecessary 
was  the  service  rendered, — for  this  traveler  was  never 
after  accustomed  to  fear  or  avoid  water — or  how  much 
native  shrewdness,  restless  energy  and  Baptist  influence, 
he  was  forwarding  into  Pennsylvania.  That  stranger 
was  Mr.  John  Miller,  then  on  his  way  to  seek  a  home 
in  Abington. 

The  Scott  Church  was  recognized,  November  5th, 
1823,  with  14  constituent  members,  by  a  council  of 
brethren  convened  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Squire  Whita- 
ker  for  that  purpose,  from  the  following  churches,  viz., 
From  Tompkins — Benjamin  Coburn,  John  and  Benja- 
min Whitaker ;  from  Masonville — John  B.  Ballard, 
John  Balcom  and  Lewis  Schofield  ;  from  Windsor — 
Samuel  Buel  and  Asa  Hoadly  ;  from  Mt.  Pleasant — 
Rev.  Elijah  Peck,  Rufus,  Homer  and  Ovid  Grennell ; 
from  Bethany — David  Bunnell ;  and  from  Damascus — 
Rev.  John  Smitzer.  Among  the  constituent  members 
were  Ezekiel  Sampson,  Squire  Whitaker,  Jirah  Mum- 
ford,  Jr.,  and  his  wife  Mary.  The  last  two  had 
recently  been  baptized,  the  first  in  the  settlement  who 
went  forward  in  that  ordinance,  and  they  now  bore  let- 
ters of  commendation  from  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Church. 

At  the  first  covenant  meeting  held  by  this  church  on 
the  22d  of  the  above  month,  Mr.  Jirah  Mumford,  Jr., 
was  appointed  Deacon,  and  Mr.  Squire  Whitaker  clerk ; 
Mr.  Charles  Matteer  was  also  received  as  a  candidate 
for  membership  and  baptized  perhaps  on  the  following 
day  by  Rev.  Jason  Corwin,  of  the  Franklin  Associa- 
tion. On  the  21st  of  February,  1824,  Messrs.  James 
Mumford,  Henry  H.  and  George  Sampson  were  admit- 


148  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

ted  as  candidates  for  baptism,  and  baptized  by  Rev. 
John  Smitzer,  of  Bethany.  The  church  now  embraced 
18  members,  the  number  reported  when  it  was  received 
into  the  Association  in  the  Fall  of  this  year. 

During  the  following  five  years  few  changes  marked 
or  marred  the  course  of  the  church.  Covenant  and 
other  meetings  were  statedly  held,  usually  in  private 
dwellings  and  frequently  at  the  house  of  Mr.  James 
Hanford,  who  had  not  yet  become  a  member  of  the 
church.  Rev.  Ezekiel  Sampson  was  their  chief  sup- 
ply;  Revs.  John  Smitzer,  James  Clark  and  Elijah 
Peck  also  preached  for  the  church  occasionally.  Some 
four  persons  were  added  by  baptism  during  this  period, 
and  in  the  Autumn  of  1829  the  church  reported  25 
communicants.  Early  in  the  following  Winter  tokens 
of  good  were  apparent.  A  broken  series  of  meetings 
were  held  in  the  place  by  Rev.  Michael  Frederick,  of 
Great  Bend,  Pennsylvania,  aided  by  Rev.  Charles  H. 
Hubbard,  of  Bethany.  The  name  of  Rev.  G.  W. 
Leonard  also  frequently  occurs  in  this  connection,  and 
during  most  of  the  following  year.  The  members  of 
the  church  were  revived,  backsliders  reclaimed -and  a 
comparatively  large  number  of  sinners  were  hopefully 
converted.  In  the  Fall  of  1830,  the  church  reported 
31  baptisms  and  58  communicants,  more  than  doubling 
its  membership.  The  following  abstract  from  their 
letter  to  the  Association  was  printed  in  the  minutes : 
"  The  church  at  Scott,  during  the  past  year,  have  been 
blessed  with  a  powerful  revival  and  efficacious  work  of 
grace.  They*  have  formed  a  Temperance  Society, 
which  embraces  most  of  the  inhabitants.  This  church 
is  also  a  Missionary  Society  and  will  raise  from  seven- 


SCOTT  CHURCH.  149 

ty-five  to  a  hundred  dollars  for  Domestic  Missions. 
They  are  now  destitute  of  a  pastor."  On  the  1st  of 
December,  1839,  in  the  midst  of  this  revival,  Mr. 
Squire  Whitaker  was  appointed  second  Deacon,  and 
Mr.  James  Mumford  clerk  of  the  church,  and  on  the 
29th  of  the  same  month,  the  two  Deacons  previously 
appointed,  were  ordained  to  that  office,  Revs.  Fred- 
erick, Hubbard  and  Leonard  officiating  on  that  occa- 
sion. 

During  the  following  ten  years,  the  church  experi- 
enced peculiar  and  painful  trials.  Some  of  the  mem- 
bers, becoming  cold  and  careless,  neglected  their  cove- 
nant vows  and  indulged  a  contentious  spirit.  This 
unfaithfulness  was  not  confined  to  the  younger  and 
less  experienced  members,  but  affected  some  of  the 
older  and  more  able,  reaching  even  to  the  Deacons  of 
the  church.  By  the  exercise  of  a  somewhat  tardy 
discipline,  some  of  the  wandering  and  disaffected  were 
reached  and  reclaimed,  but  others  persisting  in  their 
unfaithfulness,  were  finally  and  reluctantly  excluded. 
In  1831,  Rev.  James  Clark  preached  occasionally  for 
the  church,  and  the  services  of  Rev.  Ezekiel  Sampson 
were  enjoyed  on  the  first  and  second  Sabbath  of  each 
month.  The  name  also  of  Mr.  Charles  A.  Fox,  a 
licentiate  of  Bethany  church,  occurs  once  and  again 
in  the  records  of  this  year,  indicating  that  he  was 
present  and  perhaps  preached.  In  1833,  Mr.  David 
Benedict  was  appointed  clerk  of  the  church,  and  in 
the  Autumn  of  this  year,  the  Association  held  its 
twenty-sixth  Anniversary  at  Scott,  and  was  "  greeted 
with  a  hearty  welcome."  In  February,  1835,  Rev. 
Isaac   D.  Jones   commenced  laboring  for  this    church 


150  HISTORICAL     SKETCHES. 

one-quarter  of  the  time,  and  continued  to  faithfully 
serve  them  during  some  three  years.  In  December  of 
this  year  he  held  a  brief  series  of  meetings,  aided  by 
Rev.  Henry  Curtis,  resulting  in  a  few  conversions  and 
some  four  additions  to  the  church  by  baptism.  The 
name  of  Rev.  J.  W.  Parker  also  occurs  occasionally 
in  this  connection.  In  the  Autumn  of  1837,  the 
church  represented  their  condition  to  the  Association 
as  follows  :  "  We  have  enjoyed  the  labors  of  Elder  I. 
D.  Jones  one-quarter  of  the  time  during  the  past  year. 
Brother  Ezekiel  Sampson  still  continues  to  labor  with 
us  in  word  and  doctrine.  At  our  last  covenant  meeting 
one  female  related  her  experience  and  was  received 
as  a  candidate  for  baptism — she  dated  her  first  serious 
impressions  about  two  years  ago,  to  a  protracted  meet- 
ing conducted  by  Brother  Curtis,  in  our  settlement." 

In  March,  1839,  Rev.  J.  J.  Fuller  became  pastor  of 
the  church,  a  relation  he  sustained  through  the  current 
year.  His  labors  were  greatly  blessed  in  strengthening 
the  church  and  leading  sinners  to  Christ.  At  a  cove- 
nant meeting,  held  on  the  26th  of  October  of  this  year, 
the  pastor  and  Rev.  D.  D.  Gray  being  present,  thirteen 
persons,  eight  males  and  five  females,  offered  themselves 
for  membership,  and  were  baptized  by  the  pastor  on  the 
following  day.  Some  of  these  were  oldhopers  but  most 
were  young  converts.  The  Lord's  Supper  was  then 
administered,  and  the  record  of  the  day  closed  as  fol- 
lows :  "  The  Lord  is  doing  great  things  for  us  whereof 
we  are  glad.  Blessed  be  His  holy  name  forever  and 
ever."  On  the  30th  of  this  month,  three  more  were 
baptized,  and  also  on  the  24th  of  November  following, 
three  others  went  forward  in  that  ordinance.     On  the 


SCOTT  CHURCH.  151 

22d  of  May,  1840,  Albert  0.  Hanford  was  appointed 
clerk,  and  in  the  following  Autumn,  the  church  reported 
21  baptisms  and  56  communicants. 

The  next  ten  years  were  distinguished  by  various 
changes,  both  of  a  pleasant  and  painful  character.  Mr. 
Silas  Finn,  a  licensed  minister,  labored  for  the  church  a 
portion  of  the  time  during  1841.  Rev.  James  Spencer 
became  pastor  of  the  church  in  the  Summer  of  1843,  a 
relation  he  sustained  for  a  number  of  years.  In  the 
Autumn  of  this  year  the  records  present  evidence  of  an 
awakening  among  the  members  of  the  church.  On  the 
28th  of  October,  the  covenant  meeting  was  quite  fully 
attended,  and  it  seems  to  have  been  a  season  of  much 
interest  and  encouragement.  "  The  brethren  and  sis- 
ters," as  the  record  runs,  "were  revived  in  the  temper  of 
their  minds  and  resolved  to  go  on,  by  the  help  of  God 
and  to  be  oftener  found  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  implorino- 
the  influence  of  his  Spirit."  This  season  seems  to  have 
been  followed  by  a  protracted  effort,  resulting  in  much 
good  to  the  cause.  On  the  17th  of  February,  1844, 
"  after  receiving  a  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  the  church  met  for  the  examination  of  candidates 
for  baptism."  Four  persons  were  accepted  and  bap- 
tized by  the  pastor  on  the  following  Sabbath.  On  the 
25th  of  this  month  five  more  persons  went  forward  in 
the  ordinance  of  baptism.  Others  followed  from  time 
to  time  during  the  following  month.  On  the  27th  of 
April,  Mr.  Wm.  Sampson  was  appointed  clerk,  soon 
after,  however,  succeeded  by  Mr.  David  Benedict,  who 
had  previously  served  the  church  in  that  capacity.  In 
the  Fall  of  this  year  the  church  reported  to  the  Associa- 
tion 14  baptisms  and   63  communicants.     During  the 


152  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

next  three  years  nothing  occurred  in  the  course  of  the 
church  worthy  of  especial  notice.  At  a  church  meeting 
held  on  the  19th  of  January,  1848,  "  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  call  on  Elder  Spencer  and  inquire  into 
reports  in  circulation  against  his  ministerial  and  Chris- 
tian character."  This  was  followed  by  a  council  on  the 
10th  of  May  subsequent,  which,  however,  arrived  at  no 
definite  conclusion  as  to  the  merits  of  the  case,  but 
"  feeling  the  weighty  truth  that  in  the  multitude  of 
councellors  there  is  safety,  recommend  the  church  to 
call  another  and  larger  council."  The  church,  however, 
did  not  act  upon  this  recommendation,  but  proceeded  on 
the  26th  of  August  following  to  exclude  Mr.  Spencer 
from  the  church,  "  he  having,  by  unchristian  conduct, 
forfeited  his  Christian  and  ministerial  character."  The 
shock  seems  to  have  staggered  the  church  and  disheart- 
ened many  of  its  members.  During  1849  an  occasional 
covenant  meeting  was  held  and  but  thinly  attended. 

On  the  26th  of  January,  1850,  a  covenant  meeting 
was  held,  when  the  following  hopeful  record  was  made  : 
"  The  brethren  and  sisters  present  were  in  union,  and 
manifested  a  desire  for  the  prosperity  of  the  church. 
Elder  Tower  came  in  after  the  meeting  commenced." 
He  was  also  present  at  the  covenant  meeting  held  on 
the  23d  of  March  following,  when  one  person  was  re- 
ceived on  experience,  two  by  letter,  and  one  as  a  candi- 
date for  baptism  ;  the  ordinance  was  administered  on 
the  following  day  by  Rev.  Rial  Tower,  who,  with  Rev. 
Silas  Einn,  continued  to  preach  for  the  church  from 
time  to  time,  during  most  of  this  year.  On  the  26th 
of  April,  1851,  Mr.  0.  L.  Hall,  a  licensed  minister,  was 
present  at  the  covenant  meeting,  and  on  the  24th  of  the 


SCOTT  CHURCH.  153 

following  month  united  with  the  church.  Under  his  la- 
bors, the  church  was  somewhat  revived,  and  a  number 
of  accessions  were  received.  Mr.  N.  M.  Benedict  was 
appointed  clerk,  and  in  the  Autumn  of  this  year,  the 
church  reported  to  the  Association  five  baptisms  and  60 
communicants.  On  the  22d  of  November,  Mr.  Hall 
took  a  letter  of  dismission,  and  Messrs.  James  Mumford 
and  Benjamin  Sampson  were  elected  Deacons  of  the 
church. 

The  remaining  portion  of  the  history  of  this  church 
will,  perhaps,  be  fairly  represented  in  the  following  ab- 
stracts of  their  annual  letters  to  the  Association.  In 
the  Fall  of  1852  the  church  was  destitute  of  a  pastor, 
but  had  enjoyed  occasional  visits  during  the  year  from 
ministering  brethren.  They  mourned  the  death  of  two 
aged  and  honored  members,  Dea.  Jirah  Mumford  and 
Henry  Sampson.  In  the  Autumn  of  1853,  they  said 
that  Rev.  Rial  Tower  had  preached  for  them  a  part  of 
the  past  year  and  his  labors  had  been  blessed.  Rev.  J. 
B.  Worden  was  preaching  for  them  one-fourth  of  the 
time,  and  they  had  a  flourishing  Sabbath  school  and  a 
large  supply  of  books.  In  October  of  this  year,  Rev. 
J.  W.  Vanhorn  commenced  laboring  on  this  field  with 
marked  success.  On  the  23d  of  this  month,  near 
twenty  persons  were  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  the 
church,  and  "all  felt,"  as  the  record  runs,  "to  rejoice 
in  the  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord."  A 
number  of  wanderers  were-  also  restored,  and  others 
were  baptized  from  time  to  time.  The  church  entered 
upon  the  year  1854  greatly  revived  and  strengthened. 
They  reported  to  the  Association  in  the  following  Au- 
tumn, 35  additions  and  91  communicants.     This  plea- 


154  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

sant  state  of  things,  however,  was  soon  sadly  marred. 
Early  in  the  year  1855,  rumors  were  afloat  prejudicial 
to  the  moral  character  of  the  pastor.     On  the  3d  of 
February,  a  committee    was    appointed  to  investigate 
the   reports  in   circulation  against  Mr.  Vanhorn,  but 
seem   to  have   failed  to    establish    their  truth.       His 
wickedness,  however,  soon  became  so  notorious    that 
the  church,  on  the  17th  of  March  following,  were  con- 
strained to  promptly  exclude  him  from  their  fellowship. 
During  the  remaining  portion  of  this  year  the  church 
enjoyed  an  occasional  sermon  by  Rev.  E.   C.  Cook,  as 
it  seems,  from  the  appearance  of  his  name  in  the  re- 
cords.   In  the  Fall  of  1856,  the  church  reported  to  the 
Association  83  members,  and  said  in  their  letter  that 
they  yet  exist  as  a  church,  though  feeble  indeed  and  al- 
most in  despair.    In  consequence  of  failure  on  the  part  of 
pretended  spiritual  guides,  many  of  them  have  neglect- 
ed their   duty,  broken  their  vows  to  Christ  and  the 
church,  and  refused  to  aid  in  supporting  the  Gospel. 
They  have  Rev.  H.  Sherwood,  late  of  New  York,  labor- 
ing for   them  one-fourth   of  the  time,  and  maintain  an 
interesting  Sabbath  school.     They  ask  the  prayers  and 
sympathy  of  their  brethren.     During  the  year  1857, 
the  church  still  reeling  under  repeated  strokes,  fails  to 
rally  or  represent  itself  to  the  Association.     The  field, 
however,  is  still  promising,  and  faithful  brethren  and 
sisters  remain,  and  will,  it  is  confidently  hoped,  yet 
gather  up  their   strength  and  gird  themselves  for  the 
conflict  on   the   scene  of  their  former   trials  and  tri- 
umphs. 


LENOX    CHURCH.  155 

LENOX  CHURCH. 

The  Baptist  church  in  Lenox,  Susquehanna  county, 
Pennsylvania,  was  recognized  December  15th,  1830, 
with  thirteen  constituent  members,  five  males  and  eight 
females,  by  a  council  called  for  that  purpose  from  Abing- 
ton,  Clifford,  Jackson  and  Gibson,  Harford  and  Bridge- 
water  churches.  Rev.  Davis  Dimock,  of  Montrose 
officiated  as  moderator,  and  Mr.  Ezra  Wall,  of  Abing- 
ton,  acted  as  clerk  of  the  council. 

On  the  26th  of  March,  1831,  Mr.  Levi  M.  Mack  was 
licensed  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  on  the  14th  of  Sep- 
tember following,  he  was  ordained  as  pastor  of  the 
church.  He  sustained  this  relation  until  the  Autumn 
of  1833,  when  he  took  a  letter  of  dismission  and  emi- 
grated to  the  West.  Under  his  pastoral  labors  the 
church  was  comparatively  prosperous,  and  nine  were 
added  to  its  membership  by  letter  and  baptism.  The 
church  was  now  left  destitute  of  a  settled  pastor  but 
continued  to  sustain  public  worship  on  the  Sabbath. 
The  exercises  were  conducted  by  lay  brethren,  and 
usually  consisted  in  prayer,  conference  and  reading 
sermons.  Rev.  Charles  Miller,  of  Clifford,  preached 
occasionally  for  the  church  and  administered  the  ordi- 
nances. Little  progress  was  made  from  1835  to  '37, 
and  few  additions  were  reported.  The  Sabbath  and 
covenant  meetings  were  sparsely  attended  on  account 
of  the  locality  of  some  and  coldness  of  others,  yet  a  few 
members  continued  firm  to  their  purpose  and  faithful 
to  their  profession.  In  February  of  1837,  an  earnest 
effort  was  made  to  revive  the  languishing  cause.  The 
prayer  of  faith  was  answered  and  the  labors  of  the 


156  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

faithful  were  blessed.  A  number  of  persons  were 
brought  to  Christ,  seven  of  whom  were  baptized  on  a 
profession  of  their  faith,  and  received  as  members  of 
the  church.  They  report  to  the  Association  of  that 
year  twenty-six  as  their  total  membership. 

In  February  of  1838,  Mr.  Rial  Tower  was  appointed 
Deacon  of  the  church,  Dea.  John  Robinson  having  re- 
moved from  the  vicinity.  During  this  year,  Mr.  Geo. 
W.  Schofield  preached  for  the  church  as  a  supply. 
Under  his  labors  the  cause  was  strengthened  and  sin- 
ners were  converted.  They  reported  to  the  Association 
19  added  by  baptism  and  41  as  their  total  membership. 
On  the  27th  of  October  of  that  year,  Dea.  Rial  Tower 
received  license  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  accepted  an 
invitation  to  supply  the  church.  During  1839  and  '40, 
the  church  experienced  some  trials,  and  finally  convened 
an  advisory  council,  but  with  what  result,  we  are  not 
informed.  The  cause,  however,  seems  to  have  received 
little  if  any  advantage.  On  the  22d  of  August,  1840, 
Mr.  Zerah  Scott  resigned  his  office  as  Deacon  of  the 
church,  and  Mr.  Freeman  Tingley  was  appointed  to  fill 
the  vacancy,  a  position  he  still  occupies  with  much 
ability  and  general  acceptance.  In  December  of  1841, 
Rev.  D.  D.  Gray,  of  Jackson,  visited  the  church  by 
request  and  commenced  a  series  of  meetings  which 
resulted  in  the  restoration  of  comparative  peace  and 
harmony.  A  number  of  the  impenitent  were  hopefully 
converted,  and  in  the  year  following  seven  were  added 
to  the  church  by  baptism.  In  1843  one  was  baptized 
and  some  were  excluded.  On  the  22d  of  August,  1844, 
Dea.  Rial  Tower  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  min- 
istry and  as  pastor  of  the  church.  Rev.  J.  B.  Worden 


LENOX   CHURCH.  157 

officiating  as  moderator  of  the  ordination  council,  and 
Rev.  Silas  Finn  acting  as  clerk.  Mr.  Tower  has  con- 
tinued to  serve  the  church  as  pastor,  with  occasional 
intervals,  up  to  the  present  time.  In  the  Spring  of 
1845,  he  was  assisted  by  Rev.  Silas  Finn  in  a  series  of 
meetings.  The  church  was  revived  and  sinners  were 
converted.  In  April  of  that  year  the  pastor  baptized 
five  persons  into  the  fellowship  of  the  church.  In 
January  of  the  following  year,  Rev.  D.  F.  Leach  also 
aided  the  pastor  in  a  meeting  which  continued  some 
three  weeks.  It  resulted  in  little  apparent  good  to  the 
community,  yet  the  members  of  the  church  were  partial- 
ly aroused  and  revived.  Nothing  further  of  especial  in- 
terest transpired  in  the  church  until  1850,  when  some 
were  excluded  and  others  dismissed.  In  1851  the 
pastor  resigned  the  charge  of  the  church,  and  an  effort 
was  made  to  secure  the  services  of  another  minister,  but 
ultimately  failed.  In  the  following  year,  however,  the 
church  engaged  the  services  of  Rev.  Charles  Miller  as 
an  occasional  supply.  He  administered  the  Lord's 
Supper  regularly  and  preached  as  often  as  other  duties 
would  permit.  On  the  29th  of  April,  1853,  Mr.  Tower, 
at  the  request  of  the  church,  resumed  the  pastoral 
charge,  and  preached  with  renewed  zeal  and  success. 
The  congregations  increased  and  tokens  for  good  were 
apparent.  In  the  Autumn  of  that  year  Mr.  E.  A. 
Francis,  an  Evangelist,  came  into  the  vicinity  and  held 
meetings  during  a  number  of  weeks  at  various  points 
within  the  bounds  of  the  church.  His  labors  were 
earnest  and  arduous.  The  meetings  resulted  in  the 
hopeful  conversion  of  a  number  of  the  impenitent,  some 
14 


158  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

of  whom  belonged  to  the  family  of  the  pastor.     Ten 
were  baptized  and  united  with  the  church. 

The  remaining  portion  of  the  history  of  the  church 
will,  perhaps,  be  fairly  represented  by  a  few  extracts 
from  their  annual  letters  to  the  Association.  They 
say  in  their  letter  of  1854,  that  they  have  passed 
through  scenes  of  joy  and  sorrow — joy  over  the  con- 
version of  sinners,  and  sorrow  for  the  exclusion  of  some 
of  their  number.  However,  love  and  harmony  prevail ; 
they  have  an  interesting  Sabbath  School  and  female 
prayer  meeting,  and  are  doing  something  for  the  cause 
of  temperance.  They  add  in  1855,  that  they  are 
favored  with  the  labors  of  their  pastor  most  of  the 
time,  and  occasional  visits  of  other  ministering  breth- 
ren. They  do  not  sustain  a  Sabbath  School,  and  cove- 
nant meetings  are  but  thinly  attended.  Again  they 
say  in  1856,  that  the  year  past  has  not  been  one  of 
uninterrupted  prosperity,  yet  numerous  blessings  have 
been  bestowed.  They  are  favored  with  the  labors  of 
their  pastor  one-half  of  the  time ;  his  labors  are  well  re- 
ceived and  it  is  hoped  will  result  in  great  good.  Cove- 
nant meetings  are  usually  well  attended  and  the  prayer 
meeting,  Bible  Class  and  Sabbath  School,  are  in  a  pros- 
perous and  promising  condition.  Finally,  in  1857, 
they  say  their  members  are  few  and  much  scattered  ; 
while  some  are  detained  from  the  sanctuary  by  poor 
health,  others  seem  to  wish  to  be  excused.  Mr.  Tower 
continues  to  preach  for  them  one-half  of  the  time. 
They  anticipate  building  a  house  of  worship,  which  is 
much  needed  by  the  church  and  community. 


CLINTON   CHURCH.  159 


CLINTON  CHURCH. 


In  1814  or  '15,  Rev.  Elijah  Peck,  pastor  of  the  Mt. 
Pleasant  Church,  commenced  preaching,  once  a  month, 
at  the  house  of  Mr.  Levi  Norton,  in  Canaan — now 
Clinton — Wayne  county,  Pennsylvania.  In  his  ab- 
sence, meetings  were  conducted  by  Dea.  Rufus  Gren- 
nell,  at  this  and  other  places  in  the  vicinity.  At  this 
time  the  region  was  so  wild  and  the  population  so  scat- 
tered, that  many  were  obliged,  in  attending  meetings,  to 
travel  for  miles  over  bridle  paths  guided  by  blazed  trees 
through  the  dense  forest.  Mr.  Peck  continued  his  visits 
for  some  seven  or  eight  years.  During  this  period,  a 
few,  residing  in  this  vicinity,  were  baptized  into  the 
fellowship  of  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Church. 

Rev.  John  Smitzer,  pastor  of  the  Bethany  Church, 
was  the  next  preacher  in  this  settlement.  His  labors 
commenced  in  1823,  and  were  enjoyed  at  intervals,  for 
some  two  or  three  years.  He  baptized  a  large  number 
of  persons,  considering  the  spareeness  of  the  population. 
Rev.  Horace  Jones,  pastor  of  Damascus  Church,  suc- 
ceeded him  and  preached  statedly  during  most  of  1827 
and  '28.  Mr.  Thomas  Teasdale,  a  licentiate  of  New- 
ton Church,  New  Jersey,  next  supplied  the  brethren  in 
Canaan  for  a  few  months.  Rev.  Charles  H.  Hubbard 
also  preaehed  for  them  one-fourth  of  the  time,  for  two 
or  three  years.  Mr.  Alexander  Smith  commenced 
laboring  on  this  field  in  the  Winter  of  1830-'31,  and 
was  ordained  in  the  following  Summer.  The  ordina- 
tion services  were  held  in  the  barn  of  Dea.  Rufus  Gren- 
nell.  Revs.  Jones,  Hubbard,  Teasdale  and  Smith,  were 
employed  and  paid  by  the  brethren  residing  in  Canaan. 


1G0  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

Having  procured  letters  of  dismission  from  the  Mt. 
Pleasant  Church,  "  the  brethren  and  sisters"  residing 
in  Canaan,  met  on  the  23d  of  October,  1831,  at  the 
house  of  I>ea.  Rufus  Grennell,  "  to  consider  the  pro- 
priety of  calling  a  council  of  brethren  from  sister 
churches"  to  recognize  them  as  a  "  separate  church 
of  Christ,"  Rufus  Grennell  officiating  as  moderator  and 
D.  S.  West  as  clerk.  The  moderator  and  clerk,  with 
Mr.  Charles  A.  Fox,  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
report  a  Covenant,  Articles  of  Faith  and  Practice,  at 
an  adjourned  meeting  to  be  held  on  the  4th  of  Novem- 
ber following,  and  Rev.  Alexander  Smith,  of  Franklin, 
New  York,  was  "particularly  requested  to  visit  us  and 
sit  in  council  at  the  time  appointed  for  the  recognition 
services."  On  the  4th  of  November,  the  brethren  met 
pursuant  to  adjournment  and  heard  and  adopted  a  Cove- 
nant, Articles  of  Faith  and  Practice  which  were  report- 
ed by  the  committee.  David  S.  West,  Reuben  Peck, 
Rufus  and  Ovid  Grennell  were  also  appointed  to  repre- 
sent them  in  the  council  to  be  held  on  the  10th  instant. 

The  council  convened  November  10th,  1831,  at  the 
house  of  Dea.  Rufus  Grennell,  in  Canaan,  composed  of 
brethren  from  Abington,  Bethany  and  Mt.  Pleasant 
churches.  Revs.  Alexander  Smith,  Charles  H.  Hub- 
bard and  Charles  A.  Fox,  were  also  present  to  partici- 
pate in  the  services.  After  the  council  had  listened  to 
their  Articles  of  Faith  and  Covenant,  and  considered 
"  their  difficulty  in  enjoying  church  privileges  and  the 
gifts  among  them,  which  ought  to  be  brought  into  im- 
mediate exercise,  they  unanimously  agreed  that  in  order 
to  promote  their  Christian  enjoyment,  and  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  Christ's  kingdom  in  the  world,  that  they 


CLINTON   CHURCH.  161 

"be  constituted  into  a  separate  and  distinct  church,  by 
the  name  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Christ  in 
Canaan."  There  were  twenty-four  constituent  mem- 
bers, ten  males  and  fourteen  females. 

The  church  held  its  first  covenant  meeting  on  the 
19th  of  this  month,  and  on  the  3d  of  December  the 
first  candidate  for  baptism  was  received,  and  baptized 
on  the  following  day,  by  Rev.  G.  W.  Leonard,  of  the 
Gibson  and  Jackson  Church,  who  also  administered  the 
ordinance  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  At  a  covenant  meet- 
ing held  on  the  17th  of  this  month,  "Mr.  Ovid  Gren- 
nell  was  chosen  clerk,  and  Brother  Charles  A.  Fox  was 
requested  to  continue  his  labors  during  the  present 
Winter."  Mr.  Fox  preached  for  them  about  three 
months  and  then  returned  to  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  to  re- 
sume his  studies. 

On  the  14th  of  April,  1832,  Rev.  Charles  H.  Hub- 
bard, then  preaching  for  the  Bethany  and  Damascus 
churches,  was  invited  to  "  preach  and  officiate  in  the 
duties  of  pastor,  one-fourth  of  the  time,"  until  a  perma- 
nent pastor  could  be  obtained.  Mr.  Hubbard  accepted 
the  invitation  and  supplied  them  as  his  other  engage- 
ments would  permit.  At  this  meeting  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  correspond  with  ministering  brethren  in 
reference  to  a  permanent  settlement.  In  July  of  this 
year,  the  church  agreed  to  raise  one  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars  to  secure  the  labors  of  Rev.  Henry  Curtis  one- 
half  of  the  time ;  the  other  half  to  be  devoted  to  the 
Bethany  Church.  He  accepted  the  invitation  and 
entered  upon  his  labors  with  this  church  in  March, 
1833  ;  a  relation  he  sustained  at  this  time  during  some 
two   years.     At  a   covenant  meeting,  held   September 


162  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

20th,  1832,  "  a  committee  of  three  was  appointed  to 
select  a  number  of  tunes  to  be  recommended  to  the 
church  and  congregation  to  be  learned  and  used  in  pub- 
lic worship."  It  would  be  a  gratification  to  know  what 
success  attended  this  novel  experiment  of  congregational 
singing,  with  a  limited  number  of  tunes.  A  committee 
was  also  appointed  to  make  arrangement  for  a  place  of 
public  worship.  Previous  to  this  time,  meetings  had 
been  held  chiefly  at  the  house  of  Dea.  Grennell. 
This  committee  made  arrangements  with  the  proprie- 
tors for  the  control  of  the  "North  Canaan  School 
house,"  for  the  purpose  of  worship  ;  and  also  with  the 
owner  of  the  lot  on  which  it  stood.  The  church  and 
congregation  enlarged  the  house  and  occupied  it  as  a 
place  of  public  worship,  except  when  it  was  used  for 
school  purposes,  during  some  fourteen  years.  When 
the  house  was  otherwise  used,  meetings  were  held  in  pri- 
vate dwellings.  In  November,  1833,  a  meeting  of  days 
was  held,  conducted  by  Revs.  Henry  Curtis  and  Alex- 
ander Smith ;  as  the  fruits  of  which  the  church  was 
revived  and  some  12  or  15  were  received  by  baptism. 

In  the  Autumn  of  1834,  Mr.  Geo.  V.  Walling,  a  li- 
centiate from  the  State  of  New  York,  was  invited  to 
preach  for  the  church.  He  accepted  the  invitation  and 
labored  for  the  church  during  some  two  years.  In 
November,  1835,  a  council  was  convened  for  his  ordi- 
nation, Rev.  Davis  Dhnock,  of  Montrose,  officiating  as 
moderator,  and  Rev.  Alexander  Smith  acting  as  clerk. 
Revs.  Dimock,  Curtis  and  Smith  Bixby  remained  and 
conducted  a  meeting  of  days  "  much  to  the  encourage- 
ment of  the  church. 

In  June,  1837,  Rev.  Jos.  Curren  was  called  to   the 


CLINTON    CHURCH.  103 

pastorate  of  the  church,  a  relation  he  sustained  for  some 
five  years.  In  November,  the  pastor  was  assisted  in 
conducting  a  meeting  of  several  days  and  evenings,  by 
Rev.  D.  P.  Purdun,  of  New  Jersey.  The  church  was 
revived,  backsliders  were  reclaimed  and  sinners  con- 
verted to  God.  About  twenty-five  were  baptized  into 
the  fellowship  of  the  church  by  the  pastor,  during  the 
following  three  months.  Rev.  James  Spencer,  from 
New  Jersey,  was  called  to  the  charge  of  the  church  in 
June,  1842.  His  labors  extended  through  the  year. 
In  January,  1844,  Rev.  D.  P.  Purdun  became  pastor 
of  the  church,  a  relation  he  sustained  for  some  ten 
months ;  during  this  period  several  were  added  by  bap- 
tism. In  the  Fall  of  this  year  the  church  reported  to 
the  Association,  15  baptisms  and  86  communicants. 

In  December,  1845,  Rev.  Henry  Curtis  was  again 
called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  church,  a  relation  he 
sustained  during  some  twelve  years,  to  general  accep- 
tance. In  the  opening  of  1847,  a  meeting  of  several 
days  was  held,  in  which  the  pastor  was  assisted  by 
Rev.  William  K.  Mott.  Ten  were  added  to  the  church 
as  the  fruit  of  this  meeting. 

The  first  meeting-house  was  completed  and  opened 
for  public  worship  in  the  Autumn  Of  1846.  The  dedi- 
cation sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  William  K.  Mott. 
This  house  was  destroyed  by  a  hurricane  on  the  25th 
of  July,  1851.  A  new  house  was  erected  on  the 
same  site,  and  dedicated  on  the  24th  of  January,  1855, 
Rev.  Zelotes  Grenell  preaching  the  sermon  on  that 
occasion.  The  basement,  however,  had  been  occupied 
for  some  three  years  previous.  From  this  date  a  series 
of  meetings  were  held,  in  which  the  pastor  was   aided 


164  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

for  a  short  time,  by  Rev.  E.  L.  Bailey,  of  Carbondale. 
Rev.  Newell  Callender  also  rendered  such  assistance 
as  his  other  duties  would  permit.  These  meetings 
were  continued  with  more  or  less  frequency  during 
some  three  months.  In  the  Autumn  of  this  year  the 
church  reported  to  the  Association,  41  baptisms  and 
136  communicants.  The  following  was  published  in  the 
minutes  of  this  year  in  the  digest  of  letters :  "  The 
Clinton  Church  have  completed  and  dedicated,  in  Janu- 
ary last,  a  neat  and  commodious  house  of  worship. 
An  interesting  revival  followed.  Brethren  and  sisters 
became  aroused  to  a  sense  of  their  responsibilities,  and 
humbled  themselves  before  God.  Unbelief  and  de- 
spondency yielded  before  the  gracious  manifestations 
of  divine  power.  The  refreshing  descended  like  the 
gentle  shower  and  continued  to  spread  until  it  pervaded 
the  entire  community.  The  converts  are  from  every 
class  and  condition — from  eleven  to  seventy-eight  years 
of  age.  Husbands  with  their  wives,  parents  with  their 
children,  have  yielded  their  hearts  and  consecrated 
their  lives  to  the  service  of  God," 

Mr.  Curtis  continued  to  labor  as  a  pastor  of  the 
church  until  the  Spring  of  1857,  when,  much  to  the 
regret  of  the  brethren,  he  retired  from  the  field  in  a 
state  of  physical  debility,  mental  gloom  and  spiritual 
despondency.  He  preached  his  last  sermon  on  the 
15th  of  March,  from  2  Cor.  ii :  15,  16,  dwelling  on 
the  following  heads :  The  fearful  contrast  between  the 
saved  and  the  lost ;  The  relation  of  the  ministry  to 
both  classes ;  God  will  be  glorified  in  the  destiny  of 
each,  and  his  character  fully  vindicated.  Soon  after 
Mr.  Curtis  had  retired,  the  church  invited  Rev.  D.  W. 


CLINTON    CHURCH.  165 

Halsted  to  supply  them.  He  accepted  the  invitation 
and  is  still  faithfully  laboring  on  this  promising  field. 

It  has  been  twenty-six  years  since  this  church  was 
constituted.  During  that  time  they  have  enjoyed  the 
labors  of  various  pastors  for  a  longer  or  shorter  period, 
and  have  also  been  destitute  for  some  four  years,  but 
not  of  preaching  above,  perhaps,  a  month  at  any  one 
time.  They  have  divided  the  labors  of  their  pastors 
with  the  Herrick,  Bethany,  Damascus,  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Carbondale  and  Aldenville  churches.  In  the  absence 
of  preaching  they  have  maintained  public  services, 
either  by  listening  to  a  printed  sermon  or  by  the  exer- 
cise of  the  gifts  of  the  members.  A  Sabbath  School 
or  Bible  Class  has  been  sustained  during  the  Summer 
seasons.  Covenant  meetings  have  been  regularly  held 
once  a  month  and  communion  occasions  have  been  en- 
joyed every  two  months,  except  when  destitute  of  an 
administrator,  which  has  not  been  frequent. 

The  church  has  been  favored  with  three  general  re- 
vivals and  other  seasons  of  refreshing  more  or  less 
extensive.  Most  of  their  accessions  have  been  the 
fruit  of  these  revival  seasons,  and  have  usually  proven 
as  steadfast  and  reliable  as  those  received  in  times  of 
less  general  interest.  These  seasons  of  especial  revival 
have,  perhaps,  been  as  various  in  their  manifestations 
as  in  their  general  results  and  influence.  At  one  time 
the  heavenly  refreshing  would  pour  down  like  the  driv- 
ing and  drenching  shower,  sudden  in  its  coming  and 
brief  in  its  stay ;  at  another  it  would  distil  like  the 
silent  and  gentle  dew,  gradual  in  its  approach  and 
protracted  in  its  duration,  moistening  and  mellowing 
the  soil  and  causing  the  seeds  of  truth  to  spring  up 
and  the  plants  of  grace  to  bud  and  bloom. 


166  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

The  church  has  been  favored  with  the  services  of  five 
Deacons,  four  of  whom  are  still  living  and  continue 
their  official  relations,  viz.,  Rufus  Grennell,  Austin 
Davenport,  Hiram  P.  Loomis  and  E.  K.  Norton. 
William  Bailey,  the  remaining  one  of  the  number,  has 
been  gathered  to  his  rest  and  reward.  The  Trustees 
of  the  church  are  Messrs.  Francis  Griswold,  Lemuel 
Stone,  S.  E.  North,  D.  H.  Peck  and  E.  K.  Norton. 
Mr.  Virgil  Gr.  Gaylord  is  the  present  clerk.  The 
church  now  embraces  123  communicants. 


BENTON  CHURCH.  167 

BENTON  CHURCH. 

In  the  Summer  of  1832,  a  number  of  brethren  and 
sisters,  members  of  Abington  Church,  residing  in  Nich- 
olson Township — now  Benton,  Luzerne  county,  request- 
ed letters  of  dismission  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  as 
an  independent  church.  The  request  was  acceeded  to 
by  the  Abington  Church  and  letters  of  dismission  were 
granted.  A  council  of  brethren  from  Abington,  Clif- 
ford, Lenox  and  Greenfield  churches,  was  called  and 
convened  in  Nicholson,  July  4th,  1832,  to  recognize 
said  brethren  and  sisters  as  a  Gospel  church.  The 
meeting  was  held  in  the  barn  of  Mr.  Hiram  Green, 
"  being  thought  more  convenient,"  as  the  record  runs, 
"  than  the  school  house,"  the  usual  place  of  holding 
meetings.  The  council  organized  by  appointing,  Rev. 
John  Miller  moderator,  and  Deacon  JefFery  Dean 
clerk.  Twenty  four  brethren  and  sisters,  fourteen 
males,  and  ten  females,  presented  letters  of  recommen- 
dation and  requested  to  be  recognized  as  the  "  Regular 
Baptist  church  of  Nicholson."  Their  Articles  of  Faith 
being  approved,  the  council  proceeded  to  recognize  the 
above  brethren  and  sisters  by  the  following  order  of 
religious  services,  viz.,  Sermon  by  Rev.  William  House, 
from  Isa.  42 :  11.  "  Let  the  wilderness  and  cities 
thereof  lift  up  their  voice,"  &c.  Address  and  hand  of 
fellowship  by  Rev.  John  Miller ;  concluding  prayer  by 
Rev.  Charles  Miller.  The  exercises  seem  to  have  been 
appropriate  and  profitable.  The  text  employed  on  the 
occasion,  is  beautifully  discriptive  of  the  condition  of 
this  infant  church  in  a  comparative  "wilderness,"  and 
admirably  adapted  to  inspire  a  hope  of  future  prosper- 


168  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

ity.  No  doubt  the  preacher  developed  and  applied 
these  leading  thoughts  to  the  condition  and  prospects  of 
the  church.  The  pioneer  ministers  in  these  wilds  and 
woods,  were  eminently  personal  and  practical  in  their 
preaching.  The  occasion  often  suggested  a  text  and 
the  circumstances  furnished  a  theme.  This  practical 
mode  of  address  was  among  the  causes  of  their  power 
and  popularity. 

Their  first  meeting  for  business  was  held  in  the 
"Franklin  School  House,"  July  21st,  1832,  at  which 
Messrs.  Ezra  Reynolds  and  Earl  Manchester  were  ap- 
pointed Deacons ;  Stephen  Reynolds,  chorister,  and 
George  Reynolds,  assistant.  The  Saturday  before  the 
third  Sunday  in  each  month,  was  selected  for  covenant 
meetings,  subsequently  changed  to  the  Saturday  before 
the  fourth  Sunday ;  also  Saturday  before  the  second 
Sunday  in  August,  for  an  annual  meeting  for  business, 
afterwards  held  quarterly  on  Saturday  preceding  the 
second  Sunday  in  November,  February,  May  and  Au- 
gust. Delegates  were  also  appointed  to  represent  the 
church  at  the  Association  to  meet  in  Greenfield  on  the 
first  Wednesday  in  September  next,  and  instructed  to 
request  admission  into  that  body.  The  request  was 
presented  and  the  church  admitted  into  the  Association. 
An  interesting  revival  immediately  followed,  resulting 
in  much  good  to  the  church  and  community.  A  large 
number,  considering  the  sparceness  of  the  population, 
were  hopefully  converted.  On  the  22d  of  October, 
following,  fourteen  were  baptized  and  admitted  into  the 
church.  Five  more  were  added  by  baptism  on  the  11th 
of  November.  Occasional  accessions  continued  to  be 
received  until  the  next  session  of  the  Association,  when 
46  are  reported  as  their  total  membership. 


BENTON    CHURCH.  169 

The  records  present  nothing  further  of  especial  inter- 
est until  January  29th,  1834,  when  a  meeting  for  busi- 
ness was  held,  and  a  committee  of  two  appointed  to 
raise  "  a  sum  by  voluntary  subscription"  for  the  support 
of  preaching  among  them,  and  also  to  confer  with  Rev. 
John  Miller  in  regard  to  securing  his  services.  At  a 
meeting  for  business,  held  on  the  10th  of  May  following, 
the  above  committee  reported,  that  Mr.  Miller  would 
attend  with  the  church  once  a  month  for  the  coming 
year  and  be  present  at  covenant  meetings  and  Sabbath 
Schools,  when  convenient,  and  also  meet  occasionally 
with  the  church  at  other  times,  and  that  the  sum  raised 
should  be  appropriated  to  Missionary  purposes.  The 
report  was  adopted  and  the  gratuitous  services  of  Mr. 
Miller  were  secured. 

The  records  present  numerous  and  frequent  cases  of 
discipline,  chiefly  on  account  of  irregular  attendance  on 
the  meetings  of  the  church.  Some  of  the  delinquents 
rendered  satisfactory  excuses  for  their  absence,  but 
others  persisted  and  were  finally  excluded.  A  spirit  of 
benevolence,  however,  seems  to  have  prevailed  to  some 
extent  among  the  members.  At  a  meeting  for  business, 
February  7th,  1835,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  pre- 
pare a  book  with  columns  for  various  objects  of  Chris- 
tian benevolence,  and  secure  subscriptions.  Among 
these  objects  the  support  of  the  Gospel  among  them- 
selves, occupied  a  prominent  place.  August  10th,  of  that 
year,  a  vote  was  passed  to  pay  Rev.  Isaac  Moore  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty  dollars  for  half  of  the  time  during  the 
coming  year,  provided  his  services  could  be  secured. 
On  the  22d  of  the  same  month,  Mr.  Moore  and  wife 
were  received  as  members  of  the  church,  and  his  ser- 
15 


170  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

vices  secured  as  pastor,  but  enjoyed  for  only  a  short 
time.  He  and  his  wife  took  letters  of  dismission,  June 
26th,  1836.  The  church  was  now  left  destitute  of 
stated  preaching.  Cases  of  discipline  continued  to  be 
frequent  and  often  painful.  Among  others,  one  of  the 
constituent  members  was  disciplined  and  finally  ex- 
cluded, not  having  attended  with  the  church  since  its 
recognition.  It  is  unnecessary,  however,  to  dwell 
longer  on  this  dark  portion  of  their  history. 

In  May,  1837,  the  services  of  Rev.  Geo.  W.  Sehofield, 
were  engaged  for  half  of  the  time  during  the  coming 
year.  In  the  Fall  of  that  year,  the  work  of  the  Lord 
was  abundantly  revived,  a  large  number  hopefully  con- 
verted, and  the  church  greatly  encouraged.  Between 
September,  1837,  and  May  of  the  following  year,  some 
forty  were  baptized  and  received  into  the  church.  Thus 
within  a  few  months,  their  numerical  strength  was 
nearly  doubled.  It  would  be  pleasing  to  know  who  was 
the  favored  instrument  in  promoting  this  interesting 
revival,  but  when  the  records  "  hold  their  peace"  their 
history  must  be  silent.  The  name  of  Rev.  James  Clark 
appears  in  this  connection  and  indicates,  perhaps,  by 
whom  Jacob  was  enabled  to  arise.  He  is  reported  in 
the  minuWs  of  the  Association  for  1839  and  '40,  as 
pastor  of  the  church. 

At  a  meeting  for  business,  August  29th,  1839,  the 
name  of  the  church  was  changed  from  Nicholson  to 
Benton,  and  measures  were  taken  to  decide  on  a  location 
and  procure  means  to  erect  a  house  of  worship,  but  the 
whole  project  was  soon  after  abandoned.  Nothing  fur- 
ther of  especial  importance  is  recorded  until  April 
24th,  1842,   when  Mr.    Silas   Finn   and  wife  were  re- 


BENTON    CHURCH.  171 

ceived  into  the  church  by  letter,  and  his  services  en- 
gaged. He  was  ordained  as  pastor  of  the  church,  Feb. 
9th,  1843,  by  a  council  of  brethren  from  Abington,  Ben- 
ton, Clifford,  Lenox,  Scott  and  Greenfield  churches  ; 
Rev.  John  Miller  officiated  as  moderator,  and  Rev. 
Wm.  K.  Mott  as  clerk.  The  public  services  of  ordina- 
tion were  conducted  by  Revs.  Wm.  K.  Mott,  John 
Baldwin,  Henry  Curtis,  John  Miller,  Charles  Miller 
and  Rial  Tower.  "  The  exercises  were  solemn  and  im- 
pressive." 

During  the  Fall  of  1842  and  Winter  following,  most 
of  the  members  were  measureably  reviYed,  and  some 
sinners  hopefully  converted.  The  work  commenced 
chiefly  with  one  or  two  brethren  residing  at  some  dis- 
tance from  the  usual  place  of  holding  meetings,  in  a 
neighborhood  of  Unitarians  and  Universalists.  Here 
meetings  for  prayer,  conference  and  preaching,  were 
appointed ;  they  were  at  first  thinly  attended,  but  con- 
tinued to  increase  in  interest  and  numbers  until  the 
house  was  filled  with  an  attentive  and  often  anxious 
audience.  During  the  Winter  the  meetings  were  re- 
moved and  held  for  some  weeks  at  a  more  central  point, 
and  the  pastor  was  encouraged  by  the  presence  and 
aided  by  the  preaching  of  Mr.  Mott.  The  church  re- 
port to  the  Association  in  1843,  thirteen  received  by 
baptism  and  92  as  their  total  membership.  The  work, 
however,  does  not  seem  to  have  pervaded  the  entire 
church  or  reclaimed  all  the  wandering.  Numerous 
cases  of  discipline  continue  to  be  reported,  often  result- 
ing in  exclusion ;  yet  at  this  time  "a  good  degree  of 
union  existed"  among  the  active  members.  Happy  for 
pastor  and  people  had  this  bond  of  Union  and  harmony 


172  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

been  strengthened  and  perpetuated !  But  such  is  not 
our  privilege  to  believe  or  pleasure  to  record. 

The  meetings  of  the  church  were  held  at  various 
places,  subject  to  the  wishes  or  whims  of  the  members. 
A  vote  was  passed,  March  1st,  1845,  to  hold  meetings 
during  the  coming  year  at  the  "Yellow  School  House," 
on  the  first  three  Sundays  of  each  month,  and  at  the 
"Franklin  School  House,"  on  the  fourth  Sunday;  cove- 
nant and  other  church  meetings  to  be  held  at  the  latter 
place.  This  arrangement,  however,  did  not  prove  per- 
manent ;  subsequently  other  changes  were  made  for 
reasons  and  to  places  unnecessary  to  mention. 

August  1st,  1845,  Mr.  Orin  Browning  was  appointed 
chorister  in  place  of  Stephen  Reynolds,  and  the  annual 
meeting  for  business  changed  to  Thursday  preceding 
the  fourth  Sunday  in  August.  During  the  following 
Winter  a  number  of  the  impenitent  were  brought  to  a 
knowledge  of  the  truth  and  received  into  the  church. 
Six  were  baptized  January  4th,  1846,  and  others  soon 
followed.  The  church  reported  to  the  Association  of 
that  year,  nine  added  by  baptism  and  95  as  their 
aggregate  membership. 

A  committee  of  two  was  appointed  February  14th, 
1846,  to  ascertain  the  minds  of  the  members,  and  de- 
cide on  a  location  for  a  house  of  worship,  but  at  a 
subsequent  meeting,  discharged  without  making  a  re- 
port. It  was  found  difficult  as  it  seems,  if  not  impossi- 
ble, to  harmonize  conflicting  preferences  of  members 
residing  in  different  localities.  Thus  a  second  time  an 
important  object  was  thwarted  and  the  cause  retarded, 
for  want  of  individual  concession  and  sacrifice  for  the 
general  good.     This  was  but    the   shadow  of  coming 


BENTON    CHURCH.  173 

events.  Conflicting  views  on  various  subjects  had 
long  existed  among  the  members,  but  had  thus  far  been 
restrained  and  an  open  rupture  delayed  until  January 
1st,  1847.  At  a  meeting  for  business  held  on  that  day, 
various  subjects  in  dispute  were  presented  and  dis- 
cussed; among  these,  were  the  office  and  duties  of 
Deacons ;  the  obligation  of  minorities  to  acquiesce  in  the 
decisions  of  majorities  and  various  other  kindred  sub- 
jects. Opposite  opinions,  doubtless  honestly  entertained, 
were  warmly  advocated ;  two  parties  wTere  formed,  and 
the  church  was  divided.  Two  letters  were  sent  to  the 
next  Association  but  both  were  refused  and  a  council 
was  recommended. 

On  the  6th  and  7th  of  September,  1847,  the  Baptists 
of  Benton  held  a  meeting  in  the  "  Yellow  School  House," 
for  the  purpose  of  becoming  united  and  harmonious. 
Rev.  Andrew  Hopper  officiated  as  chairman  of  the 
meeting.  After  a  free  and  full  interchange  of  views,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  draft  resolutions  as  a  basis 
of  union:  The  report  of  the  committee  was  adopted  by 
the  brethren  and  harmony  restored. 

At  the  same  meeting,  Mr.  Wm.  Travis  was  chosen 
Deacon  of  the  church.  On  the  6th  of  October  follow- 
ing, Dea.  Earl  Manchester  died,  leaving  the  church 
with  but  two  Deacons.  The  vacancy  occasioned  by  his 
death  was  filled  January  31st,  1848,  by  appointing  Mr. 
Hiram  Green  to  the  office  of  Deacon.  On  the  15th  of 
April  following,  Mr.  Green  resigned  his  office  and  Mr. 
Joseph  Chase  was  chosen  to  fill  his  place. 

About  this  time  an  effort  was  made  to  raise  a  speci- 
fied sum  for  the  support  of  the  ministry  by  voluntary 
subscription,  but  this  mode  not  proving  successful,  re- 


174  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

course  was  had  to  a  system  of  equalization  to  raise  the 
necessary  amount.  This  mode  also  failing,  the  church 
vibrated  for  some  time  between  the  two  modes  of  rais- 
ing a  salary,  but  finally  settled  for  a  time  on  the  latter, 
and  agreed  March  24th,  1849,  to  continue  the  services 
of  Rev.  Silas  Finn.  If  the  mind  and  the  means  for 
usefulness  were  always  commensurate,  a  system  of 
equalization  would  prove  satisfactory  and  successful. 

In  December  following,  Mr.  Finn  resigned  his  charge 
of  the  church.  They  were  now  left  destitute  of  a  pas- 
tor, but  were  supplied  by  Mr.  Charles  Parker,  from 
April,  1850,  until  the  following  meeting  of  the  Associa- 
tion. For  some  time  subsequent,  they  were  supplied 
by  Mr.  H.  D.  Walker,  principal  of  the  Madison  Acad- 
emy, at  Abington  Centre.  In  their  letter  to  the  Asso- 
ciation in  1852,  they  say,  "it  is  a  source  of  grief  to  us 
that  we  are  not  all  of  the  same  mind,  speaking  and 
doing  the  same  things.  Eld.  John  Miller  is  our  pastor 
and  preaches  one-fourth  of  the  time  at  the  'Yellow 
School  House,'  and  Mr.  Silas  Finn  one-fourth  of  the 
time  at  Benton  Centre." 

February  3d,  1852,  a  meeting  of  the  church  was  called 
to  consider  the  propriety  of  building  a  house  of  worship  ; 
the  meeting;  decided  to  build  but  one  house  and  that  it  be 
located  on  a  lot  owned  by  Mr.  H.  Chambers,  at  Benton 
Centre.  A  committee  was  appointed  on  the  3d  of  No- 
vember following,  to  solicit  subscriptions  and  donations 
for  building  their  house  of  worship.  Their  efforts  were 
crowned  with  success.  The  house  was  erected  at  a  cost 
of  $2316.39,  and  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God,  March 
2d,  1853,  by  appropriate  religious  services.  The  occa- 
sion was  one  of  much  interest  and  of  great  importance 


EENTON    CHURCH.  175 

to  the  future  prosperity  of  the  cause.  April  1st,  1853, 
Rev.  Silas  Finn  resumed  his  pastoral  charge  of  the 
church.  Under  his  faithful  and  efficient  labors  disaf- 
fected members  were  reconciled,  and  a  good  degree  of 
prosperity  was  restored.  But  he  did  not  deem  it  his 
duty  to  continue  his  labors  on  the  field.  Accordingly 
on  the  12th  of  August,  1853,  he  resigned  his  pastoral 
charge  of  the  church  to  take  effect  on  the  1st  of  Octo- 
ber following.  The  church  reluctantly  accepted  his 
resignation.  He  had  labored  as  their  pastor  "  for  near 
thirteen  years  with  approved  success." 

He  remained,  however,  within  the  bounds  of  the 
church  and  continued  to  supply  their  desk  a  portion  of 
the  time,  until  April,  1855,  when  an  invitation  was  ex- 
tended to  Rev.  Benj.  Miller  to  become  their  pastor  and 
preach  for  them  at  least  one-half  the  time.  The  invi- 
tation was  accepted  and  Mr.  Miller  entered  on  the 
duties  of  the  pastoral  office  on  the  14th  of  July  follow- 
ing. Under  his  labors  the  church  have  thus  far  enjoyed 
a  good  degree  of  peace  and  prosperity.  They  speak  in 
their  letter  to  the  Association  in  1855,  of  trials  from 
external  errors  and  isms,  but  enjoy  internal  union  and 
harmony.  Convenant  meetings  are  usually  well  at- 
tended and  a  desire  is  expressed  for  the  prosperity  of  the 
cause.  A  number  of  old  hopers  have  been  awakened 
and  added  to  their  membership.  They  are  not  forget- 
ful of  the  cause  of  Christ  at  home  and  abroad  ;  these 
objects  share  in  their  sympathies  and  contributions. 
They  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association  in  1856 
that  they  enjoy  the  labors  of  Mr.  Benj.  Miller  one- 
fourth  of  the  time  but  are  anxious  to  be  able  to  sustain 
the  weekly  ministrations  of  the  word.     In  1857  they 


176  HISTORICAL     SKETCHES. 

report  eleven  received  by  baptism  and  97  as  their  total 
membership,  and  also  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Associa- 
tion, that  during  a  portion  of  the  past  Spring,  meetings 
were  held  by  their  pastor,  aided  by  Mr.  D.  W.  Halsted, 
which  resulted  in  the  hopeful  conversion  of  many  pre- 
cious souls,  and  were  the  means  of  reclaiming  some  who 
had  sadly  wandered. 


HERRICK   CHURCH.  177 

HERRICK  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  recognized  in  Herrick,  Susquehanna 
county,  Pennsylvania,  June  11th,  1834,  with  ten  con- 
stituent members,  seven  males  and  three  females.  The 
council  of  recognition  was  composed  of  brethren  from 
Abington,  Benton,  Bridgewater,  Clifford,  Jackson  and 
Gibson,  Scott  and  Greenfield  churches.  Rev.  John 
Miller  officiated  as  moderator,  and  Deacon  Earl  Man- 
chester as  clerk.  Their  Articles  of  Faith  having  been 
presented  and  approved,  the  following  brethren  and 
sisters  were  recognized  as  the  "  Regular  Baptist  Church 
of  Herrick,"  viz.,  Jacob  Lyons,  Thomas  Burns,  Martin 
Bunnell,  Benjamin  Coon,  Silas  Finn,  Benjamin  Watrous, 
Alexander  Burns,  Mahala  Lyons,  Harriet  Coon  and 
Emily  B.  Finn.  The  sermon  of  recognition  was 
preached  by  the  moderator,  from  Matt.  16  :  18,  and 
hand  of  fellowship  extended  to  the  church  by  the  same  ; 
the  concluding  prayer  was  offered  by  Rev.  Charles 
Miller,  of  Clifford. 

On  the  5th  of  July  following,  Jacob  Lyons  was 
chosen  Deacon  of  the  church,  and  Benj.  Watrous  clerk. 
At  a  subsequent  meeting,  Messrs.  Finn  and  Lyons  were 
appointed  to  represent  the  church  in  the  Association, 
to  meet  at  Abington  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  Septem- 
ber, 1834,  and  request  admission  into  that  body.  The 
request  was  acceded  to  and  the  church  admitted  into 
the  Association. 

The  early  history  of  this  church  was  marked  by  few 
changes  worthy  of  particular  notice.  The  labors  of  a 
settled  pastor  were  not  enjoyed,  yet  covenant  and  other 
meetings  were  statedly  held,  and  the  business   of  the 


178  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

church  was  conducted  in  an  orderly  manner.  Delin- 
quents were  promptly  looked  after  and  difficulties  ami- 
cably settled.  Occasional  accessions  are  reported  and 
other  changes  recorded.  The  church  report  to  the 
Association  in  1836,  five  received  by  baptism,  and  a 
total  membership  of  eighteen. 

In  the  minutes  of  the  Association  for  1839  and  '41, 
Rev.  Joseph  Currin  is  returned  as  pastor  of  the  church. 
His  labors  were  divided  between  this  and  the  Clinton 
Church. 

At  a  meeting  for  business,  September  26th,  1840,  Mr. 
Silas  Finn  related  his  exercises  before  the  church  with 
reference  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  received 
"liberty,"  as  the  record  runs,  "to  improve  his  gift." 
He  was  subsequently  licensed  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and 
in  the  Spring  of  1842,  he  and  his  wife  were  dismissed  to 
unite  with  the  Benton  Church. 

In  the  miuutes  of  the  Association  for  1842  and  '43, 
Rev.  John  Baldwin  is  reported  as  pastor  of  the  church. 
His  labors  were  enjoyed  one-fourth  of  the  time,  during 
most  of  two  years,  and  measurably  blessed  in  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  cause  and  conversion  of  the  impenitent. 
On  the  14th  of  July,  1842,  six  were  baptized  and  re- 
ceived into  the  church.  In  the  Winter  following,  the 
church  held  a  protracted  meeting,  conducted  chiefly  by 
Mr.  George  A.  Hogeboom,  which  resulted  in  much  good. 
"  The  church,"  as  their  letter  to  the  Association  reads, 
"  seemed  to  be  quickened  and  some  professed  faith  in 
Christ."  They  report  to  the  Association  in  1843,  two 
received  by  baptism  and  an  aggregate  membership  of 
thirty-one.  This  was  the  culminating  point  in  their 
numerical  prosperity.     From  this  time  their  number 


HERRICK   CHURCH.  179 

gradually  diminished  until  the  church  finally  disbanded. 

At  the  annual  session  of  the  Association  in  1849,  a 
committee  of  two  was  appointed  to  visit  this  and  the 
Second  Clifford  Church,  to  ascertain  their  condition, 
render  assistance,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Association.  The  committee  made  a  report  as  contem- 
plated in  their  appointment,  which  was  adopted,  but  not 
recorded  in  the  minutes.  No  favorable  change,  how- 
ever, was  effected  in  the  condition  of  these  churches ; 
their  disease  had  become  chronic,  and  soon  ripened  into 
dissolution. 

The  records  of  the  Herrick  Church  present  a  blank 
from  October  21st,  1848,  to  July  13th,  1851.  At  the 
latter  date,  a  meeting  for  business  was  held  and  the 
church  gently  breathed  out  its  feeble  life  in  the  follow- 
ing language  :  "  The  few  remaining  brethren  of  the 
Regular  Baptist  Church  in  Herrick,  met  and  on  due 
consideration  agreed  to  disband." 

Here  we  conclude  this  imperfect  sketch  of  the  growth 
and  decay  of  the  Herrick  Church,  and  erect  it  as  a 
monument  over  its  untimely  grave. 


180  HISTOKICAL    SKETCHES. 

PAUPACK  EDDY  CHURCH. 

In  the  year  1832,  Mr.  James  Purdy,  son  of  Rev. 
William  Purdy,  moved  with  his  family  from  "  Purdy- 
town,"  and  settled  in  the  vicinity  of  Paupack  Eddy, 
Wayne  county,  Pennsylvania.  He  and  his  wife  were 
the  only  Baptists  living  at  the  time  in  the  immediate 
neighborhood.  They  established  and  sustained  a  prayer 
meeting  in  connection  with  members  of  other  denomina- 
tions. In  January,  1833,  Rev.  Henry  Curtis,  pastor 
of  Bethany  Church,  visited  the  settlement  and  held  a 
"  three  days'  meeting."  His  faithful  labors  were 
blessed  and  a  "  precious  work  of  grace  followed."  A 
number  were  hopefully  converted,  and  during  the  year 
seventeen  persons  living  in  the  vicinity  of  Paupack 
Eddy,  were  admitted  as  members  of  Bethany  Church, 
four  by  letter  and  thirteen  by  baptism ;  one  more  was 
baptized  the  following  year.  Mr.  Curtis  continued  to 
visit  the  place  occasionally  to  preach  the  Gospel  and 
administer  the  ordinances. 

On  the  29th  of  November,  1834,  the  Paupack  Eddy 
Church  was  recognized  with  eighteen  members,  seven 
males  and  eleven  females,  by  a  council  of  ministers  and 
members,  convened  for  that  purpose,  from  Bethany, 
Canaan,  Damascus  and  Palmyra  churches.  Thirteen 
of  the  constituent  members  were  from  the  Bethany 
Church.  During  the  year  following  its  organization, 
the  church  was  supplied  with  preaching  by  Mr.  John 
Capron,  one  of  the  constituent  members,  having  previ- 
ously been  "  approved  by  the  Bethany  Church  in 
holding  meetings."  At  the  close  of  his  labors  he  took 
a  letter  of  dismission  and  emigrated  to  the  West.     On 


PAUPACK  EDDY  CHURCH.  181 

the  9th  of  July,  1835,  delegates  were  appointed  to  the 
Association  and  instructed  to  request  admission  into 
that  body.  The  request  was  granted  and  the  church 
admitted  into  the  Association  at  its  annual  meeting, 
held  at  Damascus  in  September  following. 

Rev.  Henry  Curtis  continued  to  visit  the  church  oc- 
casionally when  destitute  of  stated  preaching,  and  ad- 
minister the  ordinances.  His  labors  were  highly  prized 
by  the  members  and  of  essential  service  to  the  cause. 
Under  his  preaching  a  revival  commenced  in  the  Au- 
tumn of  1887,  and  continued  during  the  Winter  follow- 
ing. The  members  were  moved  to  labor  and  pray  and 
sinners  to  repent  and  believe.  The  church  report  to 
the  Association  in  1838,  eleven  received  by  baptism 
and  twenty-four  as  their  total  membership. 

About  this  time  the  services  of  Mr.  George  V.  Wal- 
ling, a  licentiate  of  Clinton  Church,  were  engaged  one- 
half  of  the  time  for  one  year.  He  preached  for  the 
church  with  general  acceptance  until  he  was  compelled, 
on  account  of  impaired  health,  to  resign  his  charge  and 
retire  from  the  field.  The  Church  was  destitute  of 
stated  preaching  until  the  Autumn  of  1840,  when  the 
ministerial  labors  of  Rev.  D.  F.  Leach,  pastor  of  the 
church  at  Ten  Mile  River,  were  engaged  one-half  of 
the  time.  He  continued  to  preach  for  the  church  with 
occasional  intervals  during  the  four  subsequent  years. 
Under  his  faithful  labors  the  church  was  strengthened 
and  the  membership  enlarged.  A  series  of  meetings 
were  held  soon  after  his  settlement,  resulting  in  great 
good  to  the  cause.  Sinners  were  converted  and  saints 
encouraged.  As  the  fruits  of  this  meeting,  ten  were 
baptized  and  added  to  the  church,  increasing  its  num- 
16 


182  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

ber  to  thirty-three.  Again  in  the  Winter  of  1842  and 
'43,  a  meeting  of  clays  was  held  and  a  large  number  of 
the  impenitent  professed  faith  in  Christ,  whose  second 
coming  was  believed  by  many  to  be  at  hand.  This  be- 
lief seems  to  have  pervaded  and  excited  the  public 
mind,  and  doubtless  exerted  its  influence  on  the  meet- 
ings, and  also  on  the  motives  of  those  who  made  a  pro- 
fession of  religion.  The  church  report  to  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  Fall  of  1843,  thirty  received  by  baptism 
and  fifty-six  as  their  total  membership.  The  present 
prosperity  of  the  church,  however,  was  of  but  short 
continuance.  Adversity  soon  followed.  The  church 
was  distracted  and  disheartened  by  internal  dissentions 
and  difficulties.  Most  of  the  male  members  who  had 
made  a  profession  of  religion  in  prospect  of  the  speedy 
coming  of  Christ,  when  the  time  appointed  had  passed 
and  their  anticipations  were  disappointed,  turned  back 
to  the  world  and  followed  no  more  with  the  Saviour. 
In  1844,  Mr.  Leach  resigned  the  pastoral  care  of  the 
church  and  in  the  following  Spring,  removed  to  Port 
Jervis,  N.  Y.,  to  take  charge  of  the  church  in  that 
place. 

Having  thus  far  neglected  to  appoint  Deacons,  the 
church  now  realized  the  necessity  of  such  officers  to  aid 
the  pastor  and  watch  over  the  general  interests  of  the 
cause.  Accordingly  in  April,  1845,  Messrs.  Lemuel 
Daniels,  Elias  Murrey  and  John  Milham  were  chosen 
as  Deacons  of  the  church.  The  last  named  still  serves, 
the  cause  in  that  capacity.  This  year  the  church  com- 
pleted and  dedicated  their  house  of  worship.  It  was 
convenient  and  pleasantly  situated  on  the  north  bank 
of  the  Lackawaxen  near  its  confluence  with  the  Wallen- 


PAUPACK  EDDY  CHURCH.  183 

paupack  creek.     The  location  at  present  is  not  the  best 
adapted  to  accommodate  the  population. 

After  being  destitute  of  regular  preaching  for  some 
months,  the  services  of  Mr.  Harvey  H.  Gray,  a  licen- 
tiate from  Bridgewater  Association,  were  secured  and 
enjoyed  for  six  months.  He  then  resigned  his  charge 
and  returned  to  his  home  in  Susquehanna  county,  on 
account  of  the  state  of  his  health.  Rev.  M.  M.  Everet 
was  the  next  pastor.  He  commenced  preaching  for 
the  church  in  1847,  and  continued  his  services  one- 
half  of  the  time  for  one  year.  His  labors  were  highly 
appreciated  by  the  members,  and  measurably  blessed. 
During  his  term  of  service  he  baptized  three  persons 
into  the  fellowship  of  the  church.  Rev.  J.  P.  Stalbird 
having  settled  in  the  vicinity  of  the  church,  accepted 
an  invitation  to  become  pastor.  After  laboring  upwards 
of  a  year  in  this  relation,  he  also  resigned  his  charge 
and  moved  to  Berlin  to  take  the  oversight  of  the  church 
in  that  place.  Rev.  L.  L.  Still  accepted  the  pastoral 
charge  of  the  church  in  April,  1852.  He  remained 
through  the  year  and  then  resigned,  the  church  not 
feeling  able  to  give  him  a  living  support.  In  May, 
1853,  Rev.  Sanford  Leach  accepted  the  charge  of  the 
church.  His  labors  were  divided  between  this  and  three 
other  churches  in  the  vicinity,  assisted  by  Rev.  J.  B. 
Case,  who  was  a  member  of  the  church  and  resident  of 
the  place.  Under  the  labors  of  the  two  the  church  be- 
came distracted  and  disheartened.  Mr.  Leach,  however, 
retired  from  the  conflict  near  the  close  of  the  year. 
Mr.  Case  now  became  the  sole  pastor,  and  an  effort  was 
made  to  restore  discipline.  They  report  to  the  Associ- 
ation in  1854,  two  received  by  baptism  and  forty-six  as 


184  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

their  total  membership.  Two  letters  and  two  sets  of 
delegates  were  sent  to  the  next  annual  meeting  of  the 
Association ;  both  were  rejected  and  the  brethren  of 
the  church  were  recommended  to  make  an  earnest  and 
prayerful  effort  to  restore  union  and  harmony.  Mr. 
Case  soon  after  resigned  and  removed  from  the  place. 
The  church  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association  in 
1856,  that  the  past  two  years  have  been  fraught  with 
sorrow  and  darkness.  They  are  scattered  but  not 
entirely  forsaken  or  discouraged.  Covenant  meetings 
are  statedly  held  and  but  sparcely  attended,  nearly 
one-half  of  their  membership  having  withdrawn  from 
the  church  without  letters  of  dismission.  They  report 
thirty  as  their  total  membership.  This  church  is 
evidently  on  the  road  to  ruin  unless  better  counsels 
prevail  and  confidence  is  restored.  They  made  no  re- 
port to  the  Association  in  1857.  It  is  feared  that  the 
church  will  soon  become  extinct. 


TEN    MILE    RIVER    CHURCH.  185 

TEN  MILE  RIVER  CHURCH. 

In  the  Spring  of  1840,  Messrs.  E.  Tyler,  A.  F. 
Bush  and  Thompson  Parsons,  commenced  holding 
prayer  meetings  at  Ten  Mile  River,  in  Sullivan  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.  The  meetings  were  continued,  increasing 
in  interest  and  attendance.  The  brethren  were  en- 
couraged and  the  unconverted  were  not  entirely  indif- 
ferent. It  was  now  thought  advisable  to  secure  some 
suitable  person  to  preach  and  aid  in  conducting  the 
meetings.  Accordingly  an  invitation  was  given  to 
Rev.  Henry  Curtis,  pastor  of  Damascus  Church,  to 
come  to  their  assistance.  He  responded  to  the  call  and 
commenced  a  series  of  meetings,  aided  by  Mr.  Daniel 
F.  Leach,  a  student  from  Hamilton  Literary  Institu- 
tion. The  Word  preached  was  attended  with  convincing 
and  converting  power,  leading  Christians  to  pray  and 
labor,  and  sinners  to  cry  "men  and  brethren  what  shall 
we  do  to  be  saved?"  Soon  a  number  of  the  anxious 
were  indulging  hope  in  an  all-sufficient  Saviour.  The 
meetings  were  continued  with  increasing  interest  and 
power.  The  subject  of  believers  baptism  and  church 
membership  now  began  to  claim  attention  and  elicit 
discussion.  As  usual,  candid  inquiry  resulted  in  a 
sense  of  obligation  to  make  a  public  profession  of  Christ 
by  baptism,  and  become  identified  with  his  people.  A 
number  of  persons  manifested  a  desire  to  unite  with  a 
Baptist  church.  This  desire  being  made  known  to  the 
Damascus  Church,  situated  some  fourteen  miles  above, 
on  the  Delaware  River,  a  special  meeting  was  appoint- 
ed by  that  church  and  held  at  Ten  Mile  River,  to  hear 
experiences  and  receive  candidates   for  baptism   and 


186  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

membership.  A  number  of  the  converts  presenting 
themselves  at  this  meeting,  were  cordially  received  and 
baptized  on  a  profession  of  faith,  by  Mr.  Curtis,  and 
became  a  branch  of  Damascus  Church.  Others  united 
with  this  branch  from  time  to  time,  until  it  embraced 
29  communicants. 

Occupying  a  field  so  extensive  and  so  far  from  the 
parent  church,  it  was  decided  to  request  letters  of  dis- 
mission, and  organized  as  an  independent  body.  Ac- 
cordingly letters  of  dismission  were  secured,  and  a 
council  of  recognition  convened  August  18th,  1840,  at 
Ten  Mile  River.  Twenty-nine  persons  presented  them- 
selves to  the  council,  16  males  and  13  females,  and  re- 
ceived fellowship  as  an  independent  church.  The 
services  were  of  a  highly  interesting  character  and  left 
a  favorable  impression. 

When  the  church  united  with  the  Association  at  its 
session  in  September  following,  Mr.  D.  F.  Leach  is  re- 
ported as  supply.  He  was  ordained  pastor  of  the 
church,  on  the  30th  of  the  same  month,  and  continued 
to  sustain  that  relation  until  May  of  1845,  dividing  his 
services  between  this  and  the  Paupack  Eddy  Church. 
Under  his  labors  the  cause  was  measurably  prospered. 
In  October  of  1840,  Messrs.  William  Hawks  and  To- 
bias Fox  were  chosen  Deacons  of  the  church,  and  or- 
dained to  that  office  in  the  following  year.  The  church 
report  to  the  Association  in  1841,  nine  received  by 
baptism  and  43  as  their  total  membership,  increased 
the  following  year  to  46.  In  1843,  they  report  44  as 
their  total  membership,  and  say  in  their  letter  to  the 
Association,  that  the  past  year  has  been  one  of  adver- 
sity.   Several  of  the  members  had,  within  a  few  months, 


TEX    MILE    RIVER    CHURCH.  187 

scattered  into  different  neighborhoods,  and  were  living 
from  seven  to  ten  miles  from  the  usual  place  of  holding 
worship ;  others  had  been  detained  from  the  meetings 
by  prevailing  sickness  in  their  families  and  among  their 
neighbors.  The  grave  had  also  closed  over  a  number 
accustomed  to  meet  with  them,  among  whom  was  a  be- 
loved sister,  the  companion  of  Dea.  Hawks,  whose 
faithfulness  and  fervor  had  greatly  endeared  her  to  the 
members  of  the  church.  In  1844,  they  report  one  re- 
ceived by  baptism  and  43  as  their  total  membership. 

In  the  Spring  of  1845,  the  services  of  Mr.  James  P. 
Stalbird,  a  licentate  of  Blakely  Church,  were  secured. 
He  was  subsequently  ordained  pastor  of  the  church,  and 
sustained  that  relation  during  some  three  years.  The 
cause  seems  to  have  made  some  progress  under  his  la- 
bors. In  1846,  the  church  report  40  as  their  total 
membership,  and  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association, 
that  they  still  enjoy  the  labors  of  Mr.  Stalbird  a  part 
of  the  time.  Congregations  had  been  comparatively 
large  and  covenant  meetings  quite  interesting.  Three 
weekly  prayer  meetings  had  been  sustained  by  a  few  as 
in  former  years.  The  Sabbath  School,  however,  had 
been  somewhat  neglected.  In  1847,  the  church  was 
measurably  revived  and  the  cause  strengthened.  They 
report  to  the  Association  of  that  year,  11  received  by 
baptism  and  51  as  their  total  membership. 

In  1848,  Rev.  M.  M.  Everet  accepted  the  pastoral 
charge,  dividing  his  labors  between  this  and  the  church 
at  Paupack  Eddy.  He  continued  to  serve  the  cause  in 
this  relation  until  1852,  when  he  resigned  and  retired 
from  the  Association.  Under  his  faithful  labors,  the 
church  enjoyed  a  degree  of  prosperity  and   received 


188  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

some  accessions  by  baptism.  Two  were  baptized  in 
1848,  the  same  number  in  the  following  year,  and  one 
in  1850.  In  1852,  the  church  report  four  received  by 
baptism  and  64  as  their  total  membership — the  culmi- 
nating point  in  their  numerical  prosperity — and  say  in 
their  letter  to  the  Association,  which  met  with  them 
that  year,  that  they  are  grateful  for  the  mercies  of  the 
past  year ;  had  tokens  of  a  deep  and  solemn  work  of 
grace,  but  the  enemy  of  all  righteousness,  by  weakening 
the  faith  of  the  brethren,  disappointed  their  hopes.  A 
few,  however,  were  hopefully  converted. 

Rev.  J.  R.  Ross  was  the  next  pastor  of  the  church. 
He  commenced  supplying  them  while  teaching  an  Aca- 
demy at  Narrowsburgh,  and  finally  in  the  Autumn  of 
1852,  accepted  an  invitation  to  assume  the  pastoral 
charge  of  the  church.  He  resigned  in  May  of  1854, 
and  removed  from  the  Association.  His  labors  were 
faithful,  but  without  any  marked  results. 

In  1854,  Mr.  Stalbird  again  accepted  the  charge  of 
the  church,  and  has  continued  to  sustain  that  relation 
until  the  present.  Little  has  occurred  during  his  min- 
istry worthy  of  particular  notice.  The  church  report 
in  1856,  two  received  by  baptism,  and  53  as  their 
total  membership,  but  complain  of  their  scattered  con- 
dition and  want  of  activity  and  earnestness  in  the  cause 
of  the  Master.  In  1857,  they  report  50  communicants, 
and  say  that  they  cannot  tell  of  prosperity  and  progress 
in  the  service  of  Christ.  They,  however,  still  cling  to 
the  Word  and  promise  of  God,  and  hope  for  brighter 
and  better  days. 


SECOND    CLIFFORD    CHURCH.  189 


SECOND  CLIFFORD  CHURCH. 

The  records  of  this  church  have  been  either  carelessly- 
lost  or  culpably  destroyed ;  hence,  it  will  be  impossible 
to  present  a  complete  notice  of  its  brief  but  erratic 
course.  A  few  disconnected  facts,  however,  have  been 
gathered  from  various  reliable  sources. 

Ten  persons,  six  males  and  four  females,  residing  on 
the  western  slope  of  "Elk  Hill,"  in  Clifford,  Susque- 
hanna county,  Pennsylvania,  were  recognized,  Decem- 
ber 8th,  1841,  as  the  Second  Baptist  Church  of  Clifford, 
by  a  council  of  delegates  from  various  neighboring 
churches,  convened  for  that  purpose.  Mr.  Wm.  Tripp 
was  chosen  Deacon  of  the  church  soon  after  its  organi- 
zation, but  he  did  not  long  survive  to  serve  the  cause  in 
that  capacity.  He  died  September  7th,  1842,  on  the 
second  day  of  the  session  of  the  Association,  at  which 
the  church  was  admitted  into  that  body.  They  report 
in  the  Autumn  of  that  year  four  received  by  letter  and 
fourteen  as  their  total  membership. 

The  meetings  of  the  church  were  usually  held  in  the 
"Brundage  School  House,"  on  the  "Collar  road." 
Rev.  Charles  Miller,  who  had  formerly  occupied  this 
place  as  an  out-station,  continued,  to  preach  for  this 
church  occasionally  for  some  two  years  after  its  organi- 
zation. Mr.  George  A.  Hogeboom  was  licensed  by  this 
church  and  preached  for  them  about  one-half  of  the 
time  during  some  seven  years.  They  say  in  their  let- 
ter to  the  Association  in  the  Fall  of  1843,  that  they 
have  been  preserved  in  unity  of  spirit  and  permitted  to 
enjoy  many  precious  privileges.  Under  the  occasional 
preaching  of  Mr.   Hogeboom,  their  congregations  are 


190  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

attentive  and  comparatively  large,  notwithstanding  a 
considerable  portion  of  the  community  are  emigrants 
from  Wales  and  prefer  to  hold  separate  meetings,  con- 
ducting their  public  services  in  a  foreign  language. 

The  church  report  to  the  Association  in  the  Autumn 
of  1844,  14,  and  in  1846,  16  communicants,  and  say  in 
their  letter  of  the  latter  year,  that  they  have  passed 
through  some  trials  and  mourn  over  their  own  barren- 
ness and  the  indifference  of  the  young  to  their  eternal 
interests.  They  are  without  a  settled  pastor  but  have 
been  favored  with  occasional  preaching  by  Rev.  Charles 
Miller,  George  A.  Hogeboom  and  Win.  A.  Miller,  dur- 
ing a  portion  of  the  past  year.  In  1847,  the  church 
was  supplied  by  Rev.  Wm.  McKowan  during  some  six 
months.  They  report  to  the  Association  in  the  Autumn 
of  that  year,  one  received  by  baptism  and  17  as  their 
total  membership.  In  the  Fall  of  1848,  the  church 
sent  a  request  to  the  Association  to  be  dropped  from 
the  minutes,  without  assigning  any  reason.  They  also 
say  in  their  letter  that  they  have  been  favored  during 
the  past  year  with  the  labors  of  Mr.  Hogeboom  whom 
they  believe  God  has  raised  up  in  their  midst  that  sin- 
ners may  be  warned  and  saints  comforted.  The  re- 
quest, however,  of  the  church  to  be  "  dropped"  was  not 
granted  by  the  Association,  it  being  considered  uncon 
stitutional.  At  the  session  of  the  Association  in  1849, 
Revs.  John  Miller  and  Henry  Curtis  were  appointed  to 
visit  this  and  the  Herrick  Church,  learn  their  condition, 
and  report  to  the  next  Anniversary.  One  or  both  of 
this  committee  visited  these  churches  as  contemplated 
but  without  effecting  any  favorable  change  in  their  po- 
sition and  prospects.     They  had  gone  beyond  the  reach 


SECOND    CLIFFORD    CHURCH.  191 

of  remedies  or  hope  of  recussitation.  The  Second 
Clifford  Church  made  no  further  report  to  the  Associa- 
tion, and  continued  to  decline  until  December  1st,  1850, 
when  it  formally  dissolved  and  the  remaining  members 
dispersed.  Such  was  the  erring  course  of  this  feeble 
church,  foreshadowing  its  untimely  dissolution.  Its 
obscure  grave  is  situated  near  that  of  its  elder  sister, 
Herrick  Church,  being  separated  only  by  the  "  Elk 
Hill,"  whose  lofty  summit  casts  its  morning  shadow  on 
the  one,  and  extends  its  evening  shades  over  the  other 
— a  fitting  gloom  for  faithless  graves. 


192  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 


HONESDALE  CHURCH. 

As  early  as  1833,  Rev.  Henry  Curtis,  pastor  of 
Bethany  Church,  commenced  preaching  occasionally 
at  the  district  school  house  in  the  village  of  Honesdale. 
He  continued  to  occupy  this  place  as  an  out-station 
until  a  sufficient  number  of  members  were  gathered  to 
form  an  independent  church,  usually  preaching  at  five 
o'clock  on  the  afternoon  of  every  other  Sabbath. 
During  this  period  Mr.  Curtis  baptized  Mr.  Franklin 
Davoll,  living  in  the  village,  and  several  more  residing 
in  the  vicinity. 

In  February,  1842,  the  church  at  Bethany  com- 
menced holding  a  series  of  meetings,  in  which  the 
pastor  was  assisted  by  Rev.  Lewis  Raymond,  and  con- 
tinued them  from  evening  to  evening  for  some  weeks. 
During  the  progress  of  these  meetings  a  large  number 
of  persons  were  hopefully  converted,  and  upwards  of 
40  were  buried  with  Christ  in  baptism.  At  the  close 
of  this  meeting  in  Bethany,  Mr.  Raymond  commenced 
a  series  of  meetings  with  the  brethren  at  Honesdale. 
These  meetings  were  held  in  the  *  "  Tabernacle"  and 
continued  day  after  day  for  some  four  weeks.  During 
this  time  more  than  20  professed  faith  in  Christ,  seven 
of  whom  were  added  by  baptism  to  the  Bethany 
Church.  A  number  of  Baptist  members  having  set- 
tled in  the  village  and  vicinity,  it  was  now  decided  to 

*  This  Tabernacle,  the  first  building  erected  at  Honesdale,  was  situated  on 
a  point  of  land  formed  by  the  confluence  of  the  Dyberry  and  Laekawaxen 
creeks.  It  was  built  in  1126  and  used  for  a  time  as  a  work  shop,  but  was  sub- 
sequently enlarged  and  occupied  successively  by  the  Presbyterian,  Methodist 
and  Baptist  societies,  as  a  place  of  worship,  until  they  could  erect  "  Temples" 
more  costly  and  convenient. 


HONESDALE     CHURCH.  193 

organize  a  church  in  the  place.  Accordingly  a  council 
of  brethren  from  Bethany,  Clinton,  Damascus,  Mt. 
Pleasant  and  Ten  Mile  River  churches,  was  convened 
in  Honesdale,  May  10th,  1842,  at  the  request  of  the 
first  named  church,  for  the  purpose  of  recognizing  the 
brethren  and  sisters  residing  in  that  place  and  vicinity 
as  an  independent  church.  Twenty-nine  persons,  14 
males  and  15  females,  presented  themselves  to  the 
council,  26  having  letters  from  Bethany,  two  from  Da- 
mascus and  one  from  Mt.  Pleasant,  and  received  fel- 
lowship as  the  Honesdale  Baptist  Church.  The  public 
services  of  recognition  were  conducted  by  Revs.  Henry 
Curtis,  D.  F.  Leach,  Lewis  Raymond  and  A.  B.  Hub- 
bard. The  occasion  was  one  of  peculiar  interest  and 
solemnity. 

Although  the  revival  had  subsided,  yet  some  of  its 
fruits  remained  to  be  gathered  and  garnered.  On  the 
14th  inst.,  two  members  were  added  to  this  infant 
church  by  letter,  and  13  persons  received  as  candidates 
for  baptism.  These  went  forward  in  that  ordinance  on 
the  following  clay.  In  the  next  June,  five  more  were 
received  by  letter  and  three  by  baptism.  When  the 
church  united  with  the  Association  in  the  following 
Autumn,  it  embraced  54  communicants.  Thus  far  the 
church  had  been  supplied  chiefly  by  Rev.  D.  F.  Leach, 
and  occasionally  by  Revs.  L.  Raymond,  H.  Curtis  and 
A.  B.  Hubbard.  In  August,  however,  the  services  of 
Mr.  Daniel  L.  McGear,  were  secured.  He  was  re- 
ceivers a  member  of  the  church,  February  9th,  1843, 
and  ordained  as  pastor  on  the  9th  of  March  following, 
a  position  he  held  until  the  following  June,  when  he 
resigned  his  charge  and  retired  from  the  field.  He 
17 


194  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES.- 

has  since  made  shipwreck  of  morals  and  the  ministry. 
About  this  time  the  church  received  a  valuable  acces- 
sion of  10  members  from  the  Clinton  Church,  among 
whom  were  Messrs.  Virgil  Grennell  and  E.  K.  Norton, 
whose  pecuniary  aid  and  personal  efforts  were  of  essen- 
tial service  to  the  cause. 

In  October  of  this  year,  Rev.  D.  D.  Gray  was  set- 
tled as  pastor  of  the  church.  He  found  the  church  in 
an  unsettled  state,  from  the  inexperience  of  some,  and 
floating  character  of  the  village  portion  of  its  members. 
His  efforts  and  influence  were  of  immediate  service  to 
the  distracted  cause.  In  March,  1844,  a  series  of 
meetings  were  held  and  greatly  blessed  in  healing  divi- 
sions, and  restoring  backsliders.  A  number  of  persons 
were  also  hopefully  converted  and  received  into  fellow- 
ship. The  church  reported  to  the  Association  in  the 
following  Autumn,  13  baptisms  and  102  communicants. 

The  "  Tabernacle,"  thus  far  used  as  a  place  of  wor- 
ship, being  unsightly  and  inconvenient,  the  church 
resolved  in  the  Spring  of  this  year,  to  "rise  and  build" 
a  suitable  house  of  worship  on  a  pleasant  site  previous- 
ly purchased.  On  the  19th  of  June  following,  the 
frame  was  raised.  From  this  time  until  the  house  was 
opened  for  worship,  a  period  of  some  12  months,  the 
attention  of  pastor  and  people,  was  almost  wholly  ab- 
sorbed in  this  new  enterprise.  The  limited  means  of 
the  members,  were  taxed  to  the  highest  point  of  patient 
endurance,  and  money  was  constantly  demanded  to 
meet  necessary  expenses ;  hence,  the  business  meetings 
of  the  church,  related  almost  entirely  to  pecuniary  mat- 
ters. Their  house  of  worship  was  finally  so  far  finished 
and  furnished,  as  to  be  convenient  for  public  worship. 


HONESDALE     CHURCH.  195 

It  was  dedicated  on  the  30th  of  July,  1845,  by  appro- 
priate religious  services.  Sermons  were  preached  on 
the  occasion  by  Rev.  John  Dowling  and  Rev.  Albert  L. 
Post.  The  house  is  38  by  54  feet  on  the  ground,  be- 
sides the  porch  in  front,  with  a  spire  and  galleries,  bell 
and  basement,  the  whole,  when  completed,  together  with 
the  lot,  costing  $3775.  Of  this  amount,  little  was  obtain- 
ed from  abroad.  When  the  house  was  dedicated  and  all 
the  available  subscriptions  collected,  a  debt  remained 
unprovided  for,  of  about  $1200.  The  house  was  imme- 
diately insured,  and  the  slips  were  rented.  This  was 
an  important  epoch  in  the  history  of  the  church.  In 
April,  1846,  Mr.  Gray  resigned  his  charge  and  re- 
moved to  his  early  home  in  Braintrim.  He  had  been 
pastor  of  the  church  about  two  years  and  a  half.  Du- 
ring that  time  he  had  baptized  some  12  converts  and 
labored  assiduously  in  preaching  the  Gospel,  warning 
the  impenitent,  maintaining  discipline  and  building  a 
commodious  house  of  worship.  The  members,  with  few 
exceptions,  were  strongly  attached  to  him  and  exceed- 
ingly anxiously  to  retain  his  valuable  services. 

Rev.  G.  S.  Bailey,  a  young  man  of  much  promise, 
supplied  the  church  about  three  months,  but  for  some 
reason,  declined  to  settle  as  pastor.  Rev.  Alexander 
Smith  also  supplied  the  church  for  some  two  months,  in 
the  following  Autumn,  but  on  account  of  the  situation 
of  his  family,  refused  to  accept  the  pastoral  charge. 
In  September  of  this  year,  an  effort  was  made  to  pay 
up  arrearages  and  reduce  the  remaining  debt  on  the 
meeting  house.     This  effort  was  measurably  successful. 

In  March,  1847,  Rev.  T.  0.  Judd  became  pastor  of 
the  church,  and  continued  to  serve  the  cause  in  that  re- 


19G  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

lation,  for  three  years.  He  was  highly  esteemed  for 
his  piety  and  preaching,  his  sermons  being  ably  written 
and  delivered.  He,  however,  seldom  attended  prayer 
meetings  or  visited  among  the  members,  thus  greatly 
limiting  the  sphere  of  his  influence,  and  gradually  di- 
minishing the  number  of  his  congregation.  Under  his 
labors  the  church  enjoyed  a  usual  degree  of  internal 
peace,  but  remained  nearly  stationary  as  to  numbers. 
In  the  Autumn  of  1849,  it  embraced  101  communi- 
cants. In  February,  1850,  the  church  appointed  a 
committee  to  correspond  with  distant  members,  and 
drop  from  its  record  the  names  of  such  as  could  not  be 
heard  from  and  had  been  absent  more  than  a  year.  In 
August  of  this  year,  Rev.  C.  C.  Williams  was  settled 
as  pastor  of  the  church,  a  position  he  held  some  two 
years  and  eight  months.  Under  his  faithful  labors, 
congregations  gradually  increased  in  size  and  serious- 
ness. One  person  was  baptized  in  October  and  another 
in  December.  In  February,  1851,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  visit  absentees  and  urge  them  to  regularly 
attend  the  meetings  of  worship.  In  March,  a  series  of 
meetings  were  held,  mostly  for  prayer  and  exhortation. 
These  meetings  were  well  attended  and  resulted  in  great 
good  to  the  cause.  The  church  reported  to  the  Asso- 
ciation in  the  Autumn  of  this  year,  12  baptisms  and 
119  communicants.  In  December,  1852,  another  series 
of  meetings  were  held,  in  which  the  pastor  was  assisted 
by  Rev.  William  S.  Hall,  resulting  in  the  hopeful  con- 
version of  a  number  of  persons,  seven  of  whom  were 
baptized  and  received  into  the  fellowship  of  the  church. 
In  April,  1853,  Mr.  Williams  resigned  his  charge  and 
retired  from  the  Association.    During  July  and  August 


HONESDALE     CHURCH.  197 

of    this"  year,  Mr.  William  B.   Smith,    from  Madison 
University,  supplied  the  church,  to  general  acceptance. 

In  October  following,  Rev.  Zelotes  Grenell  became 
pastor  of  the  church.  Under  his  efficient  labors  the 
cause  was  measurably  prospered  and  congregations 
were  considerably  increased.  The  church  report  to 
the  Association,  in  the  Autumn  of  1854,  six  received 
by  baptism,  12  by  letter  and  91  as  their  total  member- 
ship, and  also  say  in  their  letter,  that  they  are  situated 
in  the  midst  of  strong  opposing  interests  and  influences, 
backed  by  talent,  wealth  and  show ;  consequently  con- 
gregations are  comparatively  small,  but  are  steadily 
increasing.  They  have  reduced  their  pecuniary  liabili- 
ties to  less  than  one-third  of  what  they  were  two  years 
since.  Their  Sabbath  School  has  greatly  increased  in 
the  number  of  scholars  and  volumes  in  the  library.  In 
May,  1855,  Mr.  Grenell  unexpectedly  resigned  his 
charge  of  the  church  and  retired  from  the  field,  greatly 
to  the  regret  of  the  church  and  congregation.  The 
hope  had  been  indulged  that  he  was  permanently  set- 
tled and  would  close  his  protracted  ministry  with  this 
church. 

For  about  eight  months  the  church  was  without  a 
pastor  and  sometimes  without  preaching.  Under  these 
circumstances,  the  congregation  became  broken  up  and 
greatly  reduced  in  numbers.  The  prayer  meeting  was 
almost  entirely  deserted,  except  by  a  few  faithful  ones 
who  persevered  in  meeting  together  to  weep  over  Zion 
and  pray  for  her  prosperity.  In  January,  1856,  Rev.  J. 
N.  Folwell  settled  as  pastor  of  the  church,  a  position  he 
still  occupies.  He  entered  on  his  labors  amid  many 
discouragements,  but  soon  witnessed  indications  of  re- 


198  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

turning  prosperity,  in  an  increasing  attendance  at  the 
meetings  and  attention  to  the  Word  preached.  The 
members  were  revived  and  some  souls  were  hopefully 
converted.  The  church  reported  to  the  Association  in 
the  Autumn  of  this  year,  16  baptisms  and  92  commu- 
nicants. The  following  year  was  marked  and  saddened 
by  the  death  of  Dea.  L.  L.  Demming  who  had  "  pur- 
chased to  himself  a  good  degree  and  great  boldness  in 
the  faith."  He  was  a  devoted  Christian,  a  faithful 
Deacon  and  liberal  supporter  of  various  objects  of  re- 
ligious benevolence.  He  died  greatly  loved  and 
lamented  by  the  church  and  community.  He  was, 
however,  missed  and  mourned,  perhaps,  by  none  more 
than  by  his  fellow-laborers,  Deas.  Franklin  Davoll  and 
Eliphalet  Wood,  who,  by  their  intimate  relations  with 
him  as  standard-bearers  in  the  church  of  Christ,  had 
learned  to  appreciate  his  wisdom  and  prize  his  worth. 
The  church  report  to  the  Association  in  the  Autumn 
of  this  year,  six  baptisms  and  90  communicants,  and 
also  say  in  their  letter,  that  they  have  paid  their  last 
debt  of  $700  on  the  meeting  house,  and  also  purchased  a 
parsonage  property  pleasantly  situated,  for  $2000,  on 
which  they  have  paid  $500.  They  have  enjoyed  much 
love  and  peace  among  themselves.  They  feel  the  need 
of  a  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  are 
crying  importunately  to  him  to  rain  righteousness  upon 
them  and  cause  them  to  become  a  strong  people. 


BLAKELY    CHURCH.  199 

BLAKELY  CHURCH. 

At  any  early  period  a  Baptist  minister  occasionally 
penetrated  the  Lackawanna  Valley  as  far  up  as  Blakely, 
preaching  to  small  congregations  and  baptizing  a  few 
converts.  It  is  presumed  that  Rev.  Wm.  Bishop  filled 
occasional  appointments  in  this  portion  of  the  valley. 
It  is  known  that  Rev.  John  Miller  frequently  preached 
at  Providence,  and  occasionally  in  Blakely.  "  His  vis- 
its," says  one  living  on  the  field,  "  were  refreshing  to 
the  children  of  God."  In  1819,  Mr.  Samuel  Callender 
Jr.,  a  member  of  Greenfield  Church,  settled  in  Blakely, 
and  with  other  members  residing  in  the  place,  com- 
menced holding  prayer  and  covenant  meetings  as  a 
branch  of  that  church.  These  were  often  seasons  of 
peculiar  interest  and  profit.  This  branch  also  enjoyed 
frequent  supplies.  On  the  13th  of  May,  1820,  the 
church  "  voted  that  brother  John  Finn  preach  in  Blakely 
on  the  first  and  third  Lord's  day  of  each  month."  This 
arrangement  was  complied  with  and  continued  with 
some  variations  for  a  number  of  years.  On  the  25th  of 
September,  1824,  Mr.  Callender  was  appointed  Deacon 
of  the  church  with  special  reference  to  the  interests  of 
the  Blakely  branch.  In  the  Winter  of  1828-9,  Mr. 
Benj.  Miller,  a  young  convert  from  Abiugton,  was  en- 
gaged as  a  school  teacher  in  Blakely.  "  He  felt  and 
manifested  a  deep  interest  in  the  prosperity  of  Zion  and 
salvation  of  souls.  His  efforts  in  connection  with  the 
resident  members  were  blessed  in  the  hopeful  conversion 
of  a  number  of  precious  souls."  In  April,  1829,  Rev. 
John  Miller  preached  in  Blakely  and  baptized  six  con- 
verts.    In  December  following,  Rev  James  Clark  also 


200  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

preached  in  that  place  and  baptized  three  persons,  and 
in  February,  1830,  he  again  preached  in  the  place  and 
baptized  three  more  converts. 

A  few  months  previously,  Rev.  Wm.  House  settled  as 
pastor  of  Greenfield  Church,  preaching  for  the  Blakely 
branch  once  in  two  weeks.     For  a  time  his  labors  were 
greatly  prospered,  and  frequent  additions  were  made  to 
this  branch.     An    ample  house  of  worship  was    built 
about  the  year   1832,   chiefly  through  the  efforts  and 
enterprise  of  Dea.  Callender.     In  the  Autumn  of  this 
year  the  Association  met  in  this  unfinished  house,  and 
took  a  collection  to  aid  in  its  completion.     The  light  of 
prosperity,  however,  soon  began  to  grow  dim ;  the  night 
of  adversity  gathered  over  the  cause,  and  most  of  the 
members  of  this  branch,  were  composed  to  rest  on  the 
easy  bed  of  Anti-nomianism.     The  pastor  having  im- 
bibed and  inculcated  anti-effort  principles,  secured  some 
forty-five  adherents,  many  of  whom  were  connected  with 
this  branch,  and  with  these  separated  from  the  church 
in  the  Spring  of  1834,  to  form  an  "Old  School"  Baptist 
church  a  few  miles  below  Blakely,  in  the  Lackawanna 
Valley.     Amid  this  general  defection,  a  few,  however, 
connected  with  this  branch,  remained  firm  to  then*  for- 
mer principles,  and  continued  to  labor  and  pray  for  the 
prosperity   and  progress  of  the  waning  cause.     Then- 
efforts  were  not  in  vain ;  their  prayers  were  not  un- 
answered.    About  this  time  Rev.  J.  B.  Chase  supplied 
them  for  a  "few  months  with  good  results."     In  the 
Autumn  of  this  year  Rev.  Wm.  K.  Mott,  who  was  labor- 
ing in  the  valley,  preached  occasionally  for  a  time  at 
Blakely.     Under   his    efficient  labors   the  languishing 
cause  soon  began  to  revive  and  some  souls  were  finally 


BLAKELY    CHURCH.  201 

led  to  seek  Christ  and  identify  themselves  with  his 
cause.  In  the  Spring  and  Summer  of  1835,  Rev. 
Isaac  Moore  supplied  the  Greenfield  Church,  preaching 
occasionally  for  the  Blakely  branch.  For  a  few  subse- 
quent years,  it  is  presumed  that  Rev.  Levi  Baldwin 
pastor  of  the  church,  preached  occasionally  for  this 
branch.  The  great  revival  of  1839,  in  Greenfield, 
under  the  labors  of  Mr.  Mott,  spread  over  an  extensive 
territory,  reaching  in  its  progress  the  upper  portion  of 
the  Lackawanna  Valley.  In  June  of  that  year,  Mr. 
Mott  preached  at  Baconville  and  baptized  seven  con- 
verts, among  whom  were  Messrs.  J.  B.  Kenyon  and 
Newell  Callender,  since  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  In  July  following,  six  more  were  baptized 
in  Blakely.  Others  were  also  baptized  in  the  vicinity 
from  time  to  time  and  added  to  this  branch,  until  it  em- 
braced a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  organize  as 
an  independent  church. 

A  council  of  brethren  from  Abington,  Benton,  Beth- 
any, Carbondale,  Greenfield  and  Pittston  churches,  was 
convened  at  the  meeting  house  in  Blakely,  Luzerne 
county,  Pennsylvania,  on  the  27th  of  April,  1843,  for 
the  purpose  of  recognizing  the  members  of  this  branch 
as  a  gospel  church.  Rev.  Henry  Curtis  was  chosen 
moderator  and  Mr.  Henry  Hayden  clerk  of  the  council. 
Twenty-seven  persons,  nine  males  and  eighteen  females, 
then  presented  themselves  with  their  Articles  of  Faith 
and  letters  of  dismission  from  the  Greenfield  church 
and  received  fellowship  as  the  Regular  Baptist  Church 
of  Blakely  >  The  public  services  of  recognition,  were 
conducted  by  Revs.  Henry  Curtis,  Wm.  K.  Mott,  Silas 
Finn  and  Daniel  E.  Bowen, 


202  HISTORICAL     SKETCHES. 

When  the  church  united  with  the  Association  in  the 
following  Autumn,  they  say  in  their  letter  that,  "  dur- 
ing the  last  Fall  and  Winter  God  was  graciously  pleased 
to  bless  his  work  in  the  awakening  and  conversion  of  a 
number  of  precious  souls,  increasing  our  numerical  and 
spiritual  strength  to  such  a  degree  as  to  call  upon  us  to 
organize  as  an  independent  body.  Rev.  Wm.  K.  Mott 
continues  to  labor  among  us  one-quarter  of  the  time, 
with  much  acceptance."  Mr.  James  P.  Stalbird,  -a 
licentiate  of  the  Greenfield  Church,  having  united  by 
letter  with  the  Blakely  Church,  was  reported  as  a  sup- 
ply for  this  and  the  following  year.  Rev.  Wm.  K. 
Mott  continued  to  preach  for  this  church  a  portion  of 
the  time  until  the  close  of  1849.  During  that  period 
he  baptized  twelve  persons  into  the  fellowship  of  this 
church.  In  October  of  this  year,  Mr.  Benj.  Bowen 
was  chosen  Deacon  of  the  church,  a  position  he  still 
sustains. 

In  1850,  Rev.  James  Thompson  officiated  as  pastor, 
dividing  his  labors  between  this  and  the  Covington 
Church.  In  the  following  year  Mr.  Charles  Parker, 
a  licentiate  of  Abington  Church,  supplied  this  church 
one-half  of  the  time  for  some  nine  months  with  general 
acceptance.  The  church  report  to  the  Association  in 
the  Autumn  of  this  year,  37  communicants,  and  say 
in  their  letter  that  they  have*  met  with  no  material 
changes  during  the  past  year,  save  in  the  removal  by 
death  of  Dea.  Samuel  Callender,  who  has  long  been 
one  of  the  pillars  in  the  church.  Their  heavy  loss 
they  believe  to  be  his  eternal  gain.  Their  numbers 
being  few  and  scattered,  they  seldom  meet  as  a  whole 
in  the  capacity  of  public  worship. 


BLAKELY     CHURCH.  203 

In  the  Spring  of  1852,  a  revival  commenced  in  the 
Lackawanna  Valley,  under  the  labors  of  Mr.  E.  A. 
Francis,  who  had  spent  the  preceding  Winter  as  a 
school  teacher  near  the  "  Capouse  Works."  Rev. 
William  K.  Mott  came  to  his  aid  and  labored  with 
great  efficiency.  The  following  communication,  dated 
May  13th,  was  published  in  the  American  Baptist: 
"  A  precious  revival  is  in  progress  in  the  Lackawanna 
Valley.  It  commenced  a  few  miles  above  Hyde  Park 
and  is  on  its  way  towards  the  head  of  the  valley.  The 
revival  cannot  be  said  to  be  in  any  church  or  congrega- 
tion ;  the  meetings  are  held  chiefly  in  school  houses 
and  private  dwellings,  members  of  various  denomina- 
tions taking  part  in  the  exercises.  The  Baptists, 
however,  have  taken  the  lead  and  received  most  if  not 
all  the  accessions.  Mr.  Mott,  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
church  at  Hyde  Park,  has  done  most  of  the  preaching, 
and  within  a  few  weeks  past,  baptized  some  thirty  of 
the  converts,  most  of  whom  have  united  with  the 
Blakely  Church ;  others,  though  baptized,  have  not  yet 
become  members  of  any  church."  The  work  continued 
for  some  weeks,  reaching  in  its  progress  almost  every 
class  and  condition.  The  church  reported  to  the  Asso- 
ciation in  the  following  Autumn,  59  baptisms  and  98 
communicants.  On  the  6th  of  August  of  this  year, 
Mr.  Newell  Callender  was  licensed  to  preach  the  Gos- 
pel. In  the  following  October,  Rev.  J.  M.  Lyons  com- 
menced laboring  for  the  church  as  a  supply  and  con- 
tinued to  serve  the  cause  in  that  capacity  for  some 
six  months.  In  June  of  1853,  Rev.  0.  L.  Hall  was 
settled  as  pastor  of  the  church,  a  relation  he  sustained 
during  some  nine  months.     The    church    reported   to 


204  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

the  Association  in  the  following  Autumn,  six  bap- 
tisms and  104  communicants.  Mr.  J.  B.  Kenyon> 
previously  appointed  Deacon  of  the  church,  was  licensed 
to  preach  the  Gospel,  August  13th  of  this  year,  and 
continued  to  supply  the  church  until  March  15th,  1855, 
when  he  was  ordained  as  pastor.  He  still  sustains 
that  relation,  giving  a  portion  of  his  time  to  the  inte- 
rests of  the  cause,  and  receiving  very  little  remuneration 
for  his  services.  The  church  reported  to  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  Fall  of  1857,  eight  baptisms  and  79  com- 
municants. Since  its  organization  87  have  been  bap- 
tized into  its  fellowship. 


BEREAN     BAPTIST    CHURCH, 

CARBONDALB     OITY,     PA. 


BEREAN   CHURCH.  205 

BEREAN  CHURCH  OF  CARBONDALE. 

Some  of  the  earlier  settlers  of  Carbondale  enter- 
tained Baptist  sentiments.  In  the  Summer  of  1830, 
a  company  of  20  Welsh  emigrants,  attracted  chiefly  by 
the  mining  interests,  settled  in  the  place,  among  whom 
were  four  Regular  Baptists.  Mr.  John  Bowen  was  a 
Deacon,  his  brother  James  was  a  minister,  and  their 
wives  were  members — embracing  the  elements  of  a 
Gospel  church.  Their  faith  was  not  abandoned  or  zeal 
abated  by  leaving  home  and  crossing  the  ocean,  but  far 
from  friends  and  fatherland,  among  strangers  speaking 
another  language,  they  clung  the  more  closely  to  their 
cherished  creed  and  distinctive  principles.  Ways  were 
soon  devised  and  means  employed  to  promote  their 
spiritual  interests  and  propagate  their  cherished  senti- 
ments. Meetings  for  prayer  and  preaching,  were  com- 
menced at  the  house  of  Deacon  Bowen,  on  the  west 
side  of  Main  Street,  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the 
store  of  Mr.  Patrick  Moffit,  Jr.  For  a  time,  their 
congregations  were  comparatively  small,  consisting  of 
only  a  few  Welsh  families.  It  was  not  long,  however, 
before  some  of  their  American  neighbors  of  various 
denominations,  met  with  them  occasionally,  attracted 
chiefly  by  the  "songs  of  Zion,  in  a  strange"  tongue. 
This  curiosity  was  frequently  improved  by  repeating 
the  substance  of  the  services  and  sermon  in  English, 
for  the  profit  and  pleasure  of  that  portion  of  the  audi- 
ence unable  to  understand  the  Welsh  language.  Their 
numbers  were  also  augmented  from  time  to  time  by 
fresh  emigrants  from  Wales,  of  whom  a  fair  proportion 
were  Regular  Baptists. 
13  a 


206  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

These  Welsh  members  having  united  with  the  Green- 
field Church,  soon  became  a  prosperous  branch  of  that 
body,  holding  covenant  meetings  and  enjoying  occa- 
sional preaching.  In  the  Spring  of  1883,  they  took 
letters  of  dismission  and  organized  as  the  First  Baptist 
Church  of  Carbondale,  with  forty-three  constituent 
members.  Their  public  worship  was  chiefly  conducted 
in  the  Welsh  language,  which  is  said  to  be  peculiarly 
rich  in  the  expression  of  religious  truths  and  emotions, 
but  was  little  less  than  harsh  discord  and  unmeaning 
jargon  to  the  unaccustomed  ear  of  their  American 
brethren,  who  were  consequently  still  left  destitute  of  a 
religious  home  and  regular  preaching.  Thus  excluded 
from  congenial  privileges,  the  few  who  had  settled  in 
the  place,  remained  for  a  number  of  years,  attending 
the  meetings  of  other  denominations,  until  the  time 
seemed  to  have  arrived  to  erect  the  Baptist  standard 
and  rally  to  its  support  and  defence. 

Accordingly  a  council  of  brethren  from  neighboring 
churches,  was  convened  at  Carbondale,  Luzerne  county, 
Pennsylvania,  March  1st,  1848,  and  an  English  church 
was  recognized,  of  seven  members,  three  males  and  four 
females,  as  the  Berean  Baptist  Church  of  Carbondale. 
The  following  persons  were  constituent  members,  viz., 
Rev.  Daniel  E.  Bowen,  John  B.  Lewis,  Geo.  R.  Has- 
kins,  Mary  Bowen,  Sarah  Glover,  Louisa  L.  Berry  and 
Mary  J.  Cramer,  The  last  two  are  still  esteemed  mem- 
bers of  the  church.  The  public  services  of  recognition 
were  conducted  by  Revs.  John  Miller,  Henry  Curtis, 
Charles  Miller,  Rial  Tower  and  Silas  Finn ;  the  first  of 
whom  officiated  as  moderator,  and  the  last  acted  as 
clerk  of  the  council,     The  occasion  must  have  been  one 


BEREAN  CHURCH.  207 

of  peculiar  interest  and  anxiety  to  the  seven  members 
of  this  infant  church,  situated  as  they  were,  in  the 
midst  of  a  great  and  growing  population,  rife  with  party 
and  prejudice;  also,  destitute  in  a  great  measure  of  the 
ordinary  means  of  influence  and  not  disposed  to  resort 
to  the  usual  modes  of  acquiring  it,  how  could  they  hope 
to  sustain  the  position  they  had  assumed  or  diffuse  the 
principles  they  had  embraced  ?  The  prospect  was,  in- 
deed, dark  and  doubtful,  except  as  it  was  relieved  by 
the  spanning  bow  of  promise.  Thus  sustained,  they 
moved  silently  and  steadily  forward,  seeking  divine 
aid  and  employing  the  appointed  means. 

At  their  first  business  meeting  held  on  the  13th  inst., 
Rev.  Daniel  E.  Bowen  was  called  to  the  pastoral  charge 
of  the  church,  and  measures  were  taken  to  secure 
a  suitable  site  for  a  house  of  worship.  Also  at  a  spe- 
cial meeting  for  business,  held  on  the  17th  of  April  fol- 
lowing, the  plan  for  a  meeting  house  was  adopted  and  a 
committee  appointed  to  solicit  the  necessary  material 
aid.  The  whole  project  was,  however,  finally  aban- 
doned, after  incurring  unnecessary  expense  and  excit- 
ing unpleasant  feelings.  On  the  29th  inst.,  Mr.  Enoch 
Jones  was  chosen  Deacon  of  the  church,  and  continued 
in  that  office  until  March  15th,  1851,  when  he  took  a 
letter  of  dismission  and  returned  to  the  Welsh  Church. 
Mr.  Bowen  having  served  the  church  as  pastor  some 
five  months,  resigned  his  charge  in  the  Autumn  of  1848, 
and  also  returned  to  the  Welsh  Church.  During  his 
brief  connection  with  the  Berean  Church,  five  were 
added  to  its  membership  by  baptism,  11  by  letter  and 
one  was  received  on  experience.  When  the  church 
united  with  the  Association  in  the  Fall  of  that  year,  it 
embraced  22  communicants. 


208  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

The  church  was  now  left  destitute  of  a  settled  pastor 
and  stated  preaching,  but  continued  to  sustain  covenant 
and  conference  meetings,  the  clerk  of  the  church,  Mr. 
D.  W.  Halsted,  usually  leading  the  public  services, 
and  occasionally  reading  a  printed  sermon.  Rev. 
Henry  Curtis  became  pastor  of  the  church,  in  Febru- 
ary, 1849,  and  continued  to  preach  for  them  one-half 
of  the  time  until  January,  1851,  when  he  resigned  his 
charge  and  retired  from  the  field,  highly  respected  by 
the  church  and  community.  During  that  period,  the 
church  received  frequent  and  valuable  accessions  to  its 
membership,  both  by  letter  and  baptism.  Mr.  Homer 
Grennell  was  chosen  Deacon  of  the  church,  August 
18th,  1849,  and  still  serves  the  cause  in  that  capacity 
with  great  usefulness  and  general  acceptance.  In 
1850,  the  meeting  house,  formerly  owned  and  occupied 
by  the  Methodist  Society,  was  purchased  and  moved 
into  its  present  location.  By  remodeling  and  repairing, 
it  was  made  convenient  and  comfortable.  Rev.  Charles 
Griffin  was  the  third  pastor  of  the  church.  His  labors 
commenced  in  March,  1851,  and  extended  through  the 
year.  He  was  ordained  as  pastor  of  the  church,  on  the 
2 2d  of  May  following,  by  a  council  convened  for  that 
purpose.  While  under  his  charge,  a  number  were  re- 
ceived into  the  fellowship  of  the  church  and  others  dis- 
missed. On  the  20th  of  March  of  that  year,  Messrs. 
Francis  Perkins  and  A.  0.  Hanford,  were  appointed 
Deacons  of  the  church ;  the  former,  after  having  faith- 
fully served  the  cause  in  that  capacity  a  number  of 
years,  took  a  dismission  and  removed  from  the  place ; 
the  latter  is  still  an  esteemed  member  and  efficient 
Deacon  of  the  church.     During  the  Summer  of  1852, 


BEKEAN    CHURCH.  209 

while  destitute  of  a  pastor,  the  members  sustained 
stated  meetings  and  enjoyed  an  occasional  supply  from 
abroad.  Thus  they  continued  until  October  of  that 
year,  when  Rev.  Frederick  Glanville  became  the  fourth 
pastor  of  the  church.  Soon  after  his  settlement  "  the 
work  of  the  Lord  was  graciously  revived ;  saints  were 
moved  to  labor  and  pray,  and  sinners  to  repent  and  be- 
lieve." His  sermons  were  exceedingly  able  and  highly 
prized.  In  March,  1853,  he,  however,  unexpectedly 
resigned  his  charge  and  abruptly  retired  from  the  field. 

Mr.  E.  L.  Bailey  commenced  supplying  the  church 
in  May,  1853.  He  was  ordained  as  pastor,  January 
12th,  1854,  and  still  continues  to  sustain  that  relation. 
At  the  same  time,  Messrs.  Homer  Grennell,  Francis 
Perkins  and  A.  0.  Hanford,  were  also  ordained  as  Dea- 
cons of  the  church.  This  interesting  occasion  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  short  series  of  evening  meetings,  in  which 
Rev.  C.  A.  Fox  rendered  acceptable  assistance.  Du- 
ring the  meeting  a  few  persons  were  hopefully  converted 
and  most  of  the  members  measurably  revived. 

The  remaining  portion  of  this  sketch,  will,  perhaps, 
be  fairly  presented  in  a  few  extracts  from  the  annual 
letters  of  the  church  to  the  Association.  They  say  in 
the  Fall  of  1855,  that  they  enjoy  the  stated  ministry 
of  the  word  and  ordinances  of  the  Gospel,  and  sustain 
two  weekly  prayer  meetings  and  a  flourishing  Sabbath 
School  of  about  a  hundred  scholars.  Again,  in  the 
Autumn  of  1856,  they  say  that  they  continue  to  enjoy 
the  stated  means  of  grace,  an$  have  received  some  ac- 
cessions to  their  membership.  They  are  also  making 
an  eftbrt  to  secure  the  necessary  means  to  erect  a  suita- 
ble  house  qf  worship,    with  favorable   indications   of 


210  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES, 

ultimate  success.  One  brother  has  pledged  a  thousand 
dollars  for  the  object,  and  other  members  have  sub- 
scribed equally  liberal  in  proportion  to  their  means, 
while  the  citizens  generally  seem  disposed  to  render 
material  aid.  Finally,  in  their  letter  to  the  Associa- 
tion in  1857,  they  report  58  communicants,  and  say 
that  they  have  done  something  for  various  objects  of 
Christian  benevolence  abroad  on  a  systematic  plan,  but 
most  of  their  limited  means  are  required  at  home  to 
support  regular  preaching  and  build  their  meeting 
house,  the  foundation  of  which  is  completed,  and  the 
frame  is  being  erected.  It  is  to  be  constructed  of  wood, 
in  the  Doric  style  of  architecture,  40  by  64  feet  on  the 
ground,  and  well  proportioned  in  height,  with  a  graceful 
spire  and  spacious  audience-rooms,  and  when  finished 
and  furnished,  will  cost  some  five  thousand  dollars. 
This  young  church  formed  in  faith,  yet  feebleness,  in 
the  midst  of  a  needy  and  numerous  population,  has  de- 
servedly enjoyed  the  favorable  notice  and  fostering 
care  of  the  Pennsylvania  Baptist  Convention,  receiving 
timely  aid  and  frequent  appropriations,  until  it  has 
well-nigh  secured  a  prosperous  and  permanent  position. 
The  meeting  house  was  finally  completed  as  pro- 
posed,  and  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God,  November 
29th,  1859,  by  appropriate  and  impressive  religious 
services, 


COVINGTON    CHURCH.  211 

COVINGTON  CHURCH. 

It  is  an  occasion  of  regret  that  we  have  been  unable 
to  secure  the  necessary  materials  for  a  suitable  notice 
of  this  feeble  church.  The  following  facts,  however, 
have  been  gleaned  from  the  published  minutes  of  the 
Association  and  early  records  of  the  Greenfield  Church. 

As  early  as  February,  1818,  Messrs.  Samuel  Cal- 
lender,  Senior  and  Junior,  were  appointed  by  this 
church  "  to  visit  our  brethren  and  sisters  over  the 
mountain,  and  exhort  them  to  their  duty."  Again  in 
September,  1820,  one  person  from  "  over  the  moun- 
tain" was  baptized  by  Rev.  Nathaniel  Otis  and  ad- 
mitted as  a  member  of  the  Greenfield  Church.  A 
covenant  meeting  of  this  church  was  also  held,  Novem- 
ber 14th,  1829,  at  Turnersville,  in  Covington,  Luzerne 
county,  Pennsylvania,  at  which  Mira  Holgate,  Geo.  G. 
S.  Jones  and  his  wife,  Elizabeth,  related  their  Christian 
experience  and  were  baptized  on  the  following  day  hy 
Rev.  James  Clark.  Again  on  the  17th  of  April,  1830, 
at  a  covenant  meeting  held  by  the  above  church  in 
"  Drinker's  Beech,"  as  Covington  was  called,  Hannah 
Rice  was  received  by  letter  and  John  Copeland  was 
baptized  on  a  profession  of  faith,  by  Rev.  Wm.  House. 
On  the  20th  of  November  following,  Mr.  John  Holgate 
was  appointed  Deacon  of  this  branch  of  the  Greenfield 
Church,  as  it  was  now  considered. 

The  brethren  and  sisters  composing  this  branch, 
continued  to  hold  covenant  meetings  occasionally  and 
transact  such  church  business  as  was  necessary  for 
their  spiritual  interests  and  the  general  prosperity  of 
the  cause  in  their  immediate  vicinity.     Their  number 


212  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

was  gradually  increased  by  occasional  additions  by  let- 
ter and  baptism.  The  pastor  of  Greenfield  Church 
continued  to  preach  for  them  from  time  to  time  and 
administer  the  ordinances  as  occasion  required. 

Thus  the  cause  was  sustained  and  measurably  pros- 
pered until  shortly  previous  to  the  anniversary  of  the 
Association  in  the  Autumn  of  1849,  when  the  Coving- 
ton Church  was  organized  with  sixteen  constituent 
members.  Rev.  James  Thompson  became  pastor  of 
this  feeble  church  and  continued  to  sustain  that  relation 
during  some  two  years,  dividing  his  labors  in  1850,  be- 
tween this  and  the  Blakely  Church.  Mr.  Charles  L. 
Holgate  was  appointed  clerk,  and  Mr.  Godfrey  Jones 
Deacon  of  the  church — positions  they  still  occupy.  In 
the  Autumn  of  1850,  the  church  report  to  the  Associa- 
tion, one  received  by  baptism  and  two  by  letter,  in- 
creasing their  membership  to  nineteen,  and  say  in  their 
letter,  that  they  are  at  peace  among  themselves  and 
continue  to  sustain  an  interesting  and  promising  Sab- 
bath School.  Mr.  Thompson  also  continues  to  preach 
for  them  occasionally.  In  the  Autumn  of  1851,  they 
were  destitute  of  a  pastor,  but  continued  to  labor  in 
harmony.  During  most  of  the  following  year  they 
were  supplied  with  preaching  once  in  two  weeks  by 
Messrs.  Charles  Parker  and  Benj.  Miller,  licentiates  of 
Abington  Church.  Under  the  labors  of  these  brethren 
the  church  was  strengthened  and  a  number  of  the  im- 
penitent were  hopefully  converted,  six  of  whom  were 
baptized  by  Rev.  Wm.  K.  Mott,  of  Hyde  Park.  They 
report  to  the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of  1852,  six 
baptisms  and  23  communicants.  Since  this  date  the 
membership    of   the    church    has    continued  gradually 


COVINGTON    CHURCH.  213 

to  diminish.  The  above  brethren  supplied  the  church 
during  a  part  of  1853,  but  without  any  apparent  re- 
sults. In  the  Fall  of  the  following  year,  the  church 
report  19  communicants  and  say  in  their  letter  to  the 
Association,  that  they  are  few  and  scattered  over  a 
wide  field.  They  mourn  on  account  of  their  want  of 
zeal  in  the  cause  of  the  Master.  They  are  entirely 
destitute  of  preaching,  yet  some  four  or  five  endeavor 
to  meet  once  a  month  for  religious  worship.  A  similar 
state  of  things  continued  during  1855  and  extended  into 
the  following  year.  The  church  report  to  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  Autumn  of  1856,  12  as  their  total  member- 
ship, and  say  in  their  letter  that  they  do  not  hold 
covenant  meetings  regularly  but  meet  occasionally  to 
recount  the  mercies  of  the  Lord  and  encourage  the 
hearts  and  hopes  of  each  other.  Rev.  0.  L,  Hall 
preaches  for  them  once  in  two  weeks.  In  the  Fall  of 
1857,  the  church  made  no  report  to  the  Association. 
It  is,  however,  presumed  that  they-  were  destitute  of 
stated  preaching  and  still  few  and  feeble.  The  field 
occupied  by  this  small  church  is  one  of  growing  impor- 
tance ;  comparatively  solitary  and  secluded  formerly, 
it  is  now  open  to  trade  and  travel  by  rail  and  road, 
inviting  a  needy  and  numerous  population. 


214  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

LEBANON   CHURCH. 

The  few  facts  embraced  in  this  sketch  have  been 
diligently  collected  from  various  sources,  but  chiefly 
from  the  published  minutes  of  the  Association. 

A  Baptist  church  was  organized  with  nine  members, 
in  Lebanon,  Wayne  county,  Pennsylvania,  prior  to  the 
meeting  of  the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of  1831, 
when  it  was  admitted  into  that  body,  Mr.  Alfred  Wil- 
marth  receiving  the  hand  of  fellowship  on  behalf  of  the 
church.  They  report  in  the  Fall  of  1832,  four  received 
by  letter,  and  13  as  their  total  membership,  and  also 
say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association,  that  they  have 
been  supplied  with  preaching  one-fourth  of  the  time 
during  the  past  year,  by  Rev.  Enoch  Owen,  and  that 
they  remain  firm  in  the  faith  of  the  Gospel  and  desire 
to  be  guided  by  the  Saviour  in  all  things.  Again,  they 
say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association  of  the  following 
year,  that  having  obtained  help  from  God,  they  have 
maintained  their  integrity  in  the  midst  of  trials,  enemies 
and  persecution,  and  are  striving  together  for  the  faith 
once  delivered  to  the  saints.  They  also  report  three 
received  by  letter,  and  16  as  their  total  membership. 

In  1834,  one  was  added  to  the  church  by  baptism, 
increasing  their  membership  to  17,  but  in  the  following 
year,  two  were  dismissed  by  letter,  diminishing  it  to 
15.  Thus  this  little  band  continued  under  the  faithful 
labors  of  Mr.  Owen,  until  his  decease,  November  14th, 
1836.  His  death  is  noticed  in  the  minutes  of  the  Asso- 
ciation of  the  following  year,  in  fitting  terms  of  fraternal 
affection.  He  is  represented  by  those  who  knew  him 
personally,  as  an  excellent  man  and  faithful  minister, 


LEBANON     CHURCH.  215 

The  church  was  now  left  without  stated  preaching, 
but  continued  to  maintain  an  independent  existence 
until  the  Autumn  of  1845,  when  it  disbanded  and  di- 
vided, one  portion  becoming  a  branch  of  the  Mt.  Plea- 
sant Church,  and  the  other  uniting  with  the  Bethany 
Church.  Little  advantage  was,  however,  gained  by  the 
former  union,  as  the  Mt.  Pleasant  and  Lebanon  Church, 
as  it  was  now  called,  held  a  meeting  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
Lewis  Peck,  January  9th,  1851,  and  agreed,  according 
to  the  record,  "to  dissolve  for  the  present."  The 
faint  hope  of  a  future  resurrection  expressed  in  this 
agreement,  has  not  yet  been  realized  by  this  church, 
but  was  anticipated  by  that  portion  of  Lebanon  Church, 
which  had  become  a  branch  of  Bethany  Church,  as  will 
appear  by  the  following  account  furnished  in  part  by 
Mr.  S.  Owen,  son  of  Rev.  Enoch  Owen,  and  clerk  of 
the  present  Lebanon  Church  from  1852  to  '55. 

The  branch  of  Bethany  Church  in  Lebanon,  was  ac- 
customed to  hold  Sabbath  and  covenant  meetings,  and 
to  transact  such  business  as  the  interests  of  the  cause, 
or  inclination  of  the  members,  seemed  to  indicate  or  re- 
quire. In  the  Winter  of  1847  and  '48,  Rev.  Andrew 
Hopper,  pastor  of  Bethany  Church,  commenced  preach- 
ing for  this  branch  one-fourth  of  the  time.  The  popu- 
lation of  the  place,  having  somewhat  increased  and  a 
number  of  Baptist  members  moved  into  the  vicinity, 
the  proper  time  seemed  to  have  arrived  to  organized  as 
an  independent  church.  Accordingly,  at  a  covenant 
meeting  of  this  branch,  held  June  22d,  1849,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  meet  the  church  at  Bethany, 
and  confer  with  the  members  in  reference  to  the  pro- 
posed  organization.     The  proposition  having  been  ap- 


216  HISTORICAL     SKETCHES. 

proved  by  the  church  at  Bethany,  the  members  in 
Lebanon,  organized  as  an  independent  body  on  the 
18th  of  August  following,  and  adopted  Articles  of  Faith 
and  a  church  Covenant.  On  the  30th  of  the  same 
month,  they  were  recognized  as  the  First  Lebanon 
Church,  with  16  constituent  members,  by  a  council 
convened  from  neighboring  churches  for  that  purpose. 
Three  persons  were  baptized  on  the  same  day  and  re- 
ceived as  members  of  this  infant  church.  When  the 
church  united  with  the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of 
that  year,  it  embraced  19  communicants.  Mr.  Hopper 
continued  to  supply  this  church  until  the  1st  of  May, 
1850,  when  he  resigned  the  pastoral  charge  and  re- 
moved to  Abington. 

The  church,  now  left  destitute  of  stated  preaching, 
continued  to  sustain  prayer  and  covenant  meetings  and 
a  Sabbath  School  of  some  thirty  scholars.  They  report 
to  the  Association  of  that  year  eight  received  by  letter 
and  on  experience,  and  27  as  their  total  membership. 
The  services  of  Rev.  L.  L.  Still,  pastor  of  Bethany 
Church,  were  enjoyed  one-fourth  of  the  time  during 
most  of  1851.  Under  his  labors  the  church  was  mea- 
surably revived  and  "  some  souls  enjoyed  a  sense  of 
pardon  for  sin."  Rev.  James  P.  Stalbird  was  the  next 
pastor.  He  commenced  his  labors  in  the  Spring  of 
1852,  and  preached  for  the  church  one-fourth  of  the 
time  for  one  year.  Near  the  close  of  his  services,  a 
series  of  meetings  were  held  and  "  some  signs  of  good 
were  apparent."  Rev.  Sanford  Leach  was  his  suc- 
cessor. He  preached  for  the  church  one  sermon  on 
each  alternate  Sabbath,  from  July,  1853,  until  May  of 
the   following  year.     During  the   Winter   a  series   of 


LEBANON     CHURCH.  217 

meetings  were  held,  resulting  in  good  to  the  church 
and  community.  Some  backsliders  were  reclaimed  and 
a  few  sinners  hopefully  converted.  Mr.  Stalbird  was 
again  invited  to  preach  for  the  church.  He  accepted 
the  invitation  and  commenced  his  labors  in  May,  1854, 
preaching  for  them  one-half  of  the  time,  but  how  long 
we  are  not  informed.  His  congregations  were  corn- 
par  atively  large  and  attentive. 

Little  of  especial  interest  transpired  in  the  church 
until  the  Winter  of  1855  and  '56,  when  an  interesting 
work  of  grace  was  experienced  under  the  labors  of  Rev. 
Newell  Callender,  and  Mr.  B.  B.  Bunting,  a  licentiate 
of  Aldenville  Church.  The  meetings  were  commenced 
in  January,  1856,  at  the  "  Red  School  House,"  and 
continued  until  the  1st  of  April  following.  The  gra- 
cious work  begun  at  this  place,  spread  to  adjacent 
neighborhoods  where  large  numbers  flocked  to  hear  the 
Word  and  witness  the  baptism  of  converts.  Mr.  Cal- 
lender now  accepted  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  church. 
In  the  Autumn  of  1856,  the  church  report  to  the  Asso- 
ciation, 13  baptisms  and  45  communicants.  In  the 
Fall  of  1857,  the  church  embraced  39  communicants. 
They  say  in  their  letter  of  that  year,  that  they  enjoy 
peace  and  harmony  among  themselves,  and  desire  to 
drink  deep  into  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel.  They  are 
destitute  of  regular  preaching,  but  continue  to  sustain 
a  weekly  prayer  meeting.  Messrs.  Aaron  Pulis,  Gay- 
Ion  Wilmarth  and  Arthur  Niles,  are  the  present  Dea- 
cons of  this  church.  When  they  were  chosen  to  this 
office  or  how  faithfully  they  have  served  the  cause, 
we  are  not  definitely  informed. 
19 


218  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 


HYDE  PARK  CHURCH. 

Except  a  mere  outline  furnished  by  the  pastor  of  this 
church,  the  materials  for  this  notice  have  been  gathered 
from  the  published  minutes  of  the  Association,  and 
other  reliable  sources. 

Hyde  Park,  Luzerne  county,  Pennsylvania,  is  one  of 
a  cluster  of  thriving  villages  that  have  recently  sprung 
up  on  a  pleasant  locality  situated  in  a  broad  and  cen- 
tral portion  of  the  Lackawanna  Valley;  Providence 
being  about  two  miles  north ;  Dunmore  about  the  same 
distance  north-east ;  and  Scranton  about  a  half  mile 
south-east.  These  villages  and  vicinity  embrace  a 
numerous  and  enterprising  population  attracted  chiefly 
by  the  mining  and  manufacturing  interests. 

As  early  as  1794  Rev.  Wm.  Bishop,  a  Baptist,  and 
the  first  minister  of  any  denomination,  living  in  the 
valley,  settled  with  his  family  at  the  present  site  of 
Hyde  Park,  where  he  occasionally  preached  and  en- 
deavored to  diffuse  his  distinctive  principles  among  the 
pioneer  population.  Under  his  faithful  labors  conver- 
sions frequently  occurred  and  a  number  of  persons 
residing  in  the  place  and  along  the  valley,  united  with 
the  Pittston  Church  of  which  he  was  the  esteemed  pas- 
tor. Indeed,  the  number  was  so  great  that  this  church 
was  known  in  1802  as  the  "  Pittston  and  Providence 
Church."  In  1806,  it  disbanded  and  a  small  portion 
of  the  former  membership  became  a  branch  of  Abing- 
ton  Church,  leaving  the  remaining  portion  scattered  and 
exposed  like  sheep  without  a  shepherd.  The  Ather- 
tons,  and  perhaps  some  others,  living  near  Hyde  Park 
remained  firm  to  their  faith,  so  that  the  place  was  not 


HYDE   PARK   CHURCH.  219 

left  entirely  destitute  of  the  salt  of  Baptist  sentiments. 

A  Baptist  church,  however,  was  re-organized  at  Pitts- 
ton  in  the  Autumn  of  1833,  and  resumed  its  former  in- 
fluence in  diffusing  Baptist  principles  and  moulding  the 
religious  opinions  of  the  heterogeneous  population 
scattered  for  miles  up  the  Lackawanna  Valley.  Rev. 
Wm.  K.  Mott,  pastor  of  this  church,  preached  occasion- 
ally at  Hyde  Park,  and  baptized  a  number  of  converts 
into  the  fellowship  of  the  Pittston  Church.  Thus  the 
cause  was  situated  and  continued  for  some  years.  The 
brethren  and  sisters  living  at  Hyde  Park  and  vicinity, 
however,  finally  decided  to  organize  as  an  independent 
church.  The  council  of  recognition  was  convened  at 
that  place  September  12th,  1849,  Rev.  John  Miller 
officiating  as  moderator  and  Rev.  Silas  Finn  acting  as 
clerk.  Twenty-three  persons,  nine  males  and  fourteen 
females,  presented  themselves  with  letters  of  dismission 
from  their  respective  churches  and  received  fellowship 
as  the  Hyde  Park  Baptist  Church.  Rev.  Wm.  K.  Mott 
was  one  of  the  constituent  members  and  pastor  of  the 
church,  a  relation  he  still  sustains,  after  years  of  pa- 
tient toil  and  persevering  effort.  Messrs.  E.  A.  Ather- 
ton  and  J.  C.  Dunn  were  chosen  Deacons  of  the  church ; 
both  have  since  moved  from  the  place. 

When  the  church  united  with  the  Association  in  the 
Autumn  of  1850,  they  report  one  baptized  and  six 
dismissed,  reducing  their  number  to  eighteen,  and  say 
that  they  occupy  a  difficult  yet  important  field.  They 
have  a  flourishing  Sabbath  School  and  ample  library. 
They  also  report  in  1851,  two  baptized,  one  received 
by  letter  and  21  as  their  total  membership,  and  say 
they  are  about  to  erect  a  suitable  house  of  worship. 


220  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

Through  the  indomitable  perseverance  of  the  pastor 
and  liberality  of  members  and  friends,  the  house  was 
completed  as  proposed.  It  was  built  of  brick,  38  by  55 
feet,  at  a  cost  of  $2600,  and  dedicated  on  the  first  Sab- 
bath of  January,  1852,  with  appropriate  religious  ser- 
vices. They  report  to  the  Association  of  that  year, 
seven  received  by  baptism,  five  by  letter  and  33  as 
their  total  membership  and  say  in  their  letter  that 
their  congregations  have  increased  somewhat  since  they 
have  occupied  their  new  house,  and  covenant  and 
prayer  meetings  are  regularly  held.  During  the  past 
Winter  a  glorious  shower  of  mercy  has  fallen  on  a 
portion  of  the  valley  some  miles  above,  and  a  few  drops 
have  descended  on  this  thirsty  spot,  causing  them  to 
thank  God  and  take  courage. 

The  above  facts  furnish,  perhaps,  a  fair  sample  of 
the  many  trials  and  partial  triumphs  of  this  church, 
situated  in  the  midst  of  a  rapidly  increasing  yet  con- 
stantly fluctuating  population.  A  few  more  extracts 
from  the  annual  letters  of  the  church,  will  continue  the 
outline  of  its  history  and  must  complete  this  imperfect 
sketch.  In  1853  the  church  report  five  received  by 
baptism  and  40  as  their  total  membership,  and  in  the 
following  year,  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association, 
that  they  cannot  communicate  much  of  glad  tidings  and 
would  not  indulge  in  delusive  hopes,  yet  they  still  hope 
to  see  a  gracious  revival  in  the  valley,  when  these  dry 
bones  shall  be  breathed  into  life  and  moulded  into 
form.  Again,  they  say  in  their  letter  of  1855,  that  no 
important  changes  have  marked  their  course  during  the 
past  year.  They  think  it  becomes  them  and  others  to 
repent  and  forsake  their  sins  and  coldness  in  private 


HYDE    PARK    CHURCH.  221 

rather  than  publish  their  confessions  annually  in  a 
penitential  letter.  In  the  following  year  they  say  that 
they  enjoy  regular  preaching  and  sustain  a  weekly 
prayer  meeting  and  nourishing  Sabbath  School. 
Finally  in  1857,  they  report  to  the  Association  49  as 
their  total  membership,  and  say  they  have  nothing  of 
especial  interest  to  communicate.  Such  has  been  the 
uniform  course  of  this  church  under  the  labors  of  their 
esteemed  pastor.  Messrs.  Thompson  Peckens,  Nathan- 
iel Halsted  and  Reuben  A.  Henry  are  the  present 
Deacons  of  the  church. 


222  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 


BERLIN  CHURCH. 


A  house  of  worship  was  erected  in  Berlin  before  the 
church  was  organized — thus  reversing  the  usual  order. 
The  inhabitants  of  "  Smith  Hill,"  in  Berlin,  Wayne 
county,  Pennsylvania,  met  at  the  "  Old  Smith  School 
House,"  on  Saturday  evening,  February  10th,  1849, 
to  consider  the  propriety  of  procuring  a  site  for  a 
meeting  house  and  burying  ground.  Mr.  Charles  B. 
Seaman  was  called  to  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Samuel  A. 
Silsby  chosen  secretary.  The  object  of  the  meeting 
being  stated  and  approved,  a  committee  of  seven  was 
appointed  to  "fix  on  said  location,"  and  report  at  a 
subsequent  meeting.  At  a  meeting  held  at  the  same 
place,  on  the  17th  of  March  following,  the  above  com- 
mittee reported  that  they  had  selected  a  suitable  site 
for  a  meeting  house  and  burying  ground,  "  upon  lands 
belonging  to  John  Smith,  situated  near  the  house  of 
Thomas  W.  Jones,  on  the  west  side  of  the  road  leading 
from  Honesdale  to  Big  Eddy."  The  report  was  ac- 
cepted and  the  following  persons  were  appointed  and 
authorized  to  make  contracts,  collect  funds  and  procure 
materials,  viz.,  John  Smith,  Benjamin  Garratt,  Charles 
B.  Seaman  and  Rev.  Andrew  Hopper.  The  committee 
also  reported,  and  the  meeting  adopted  a  preamble 
and  resolutions  denning  the  conditions  of  occupancy ; 
the  following  extract  of  which,  will  sufficiently  indicate 
their  general  character,  viz.,  "  The  said  house  of  wor- 
ship shall  be  designated  as  '  the  First  Baptist  Church  of 
Smith  Hill,'  and  be  free  to  all  denominations  believing 
in  the  holy  Gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  hold- 
ing the  doctrines  of  repentance,  regeneration,  baptism 
and  a  future  state  of  rewards  and  punishments." 


BERLIN     CHURCH.  223 

The  work  was  promptly  commenced  and  vigorously 
prosecuted ;  the  house  was  completed  and  dedicated  on 
the  14th  of  September  following,  with  appropriate  re- 
ligious services.  The  house  is  a  neat  structure  in  a 
pleasant  location. 

The  members  of  Bethany  Church,  residing  in  the 
Smith  settlement,  were  accustomed,  from  the  Spring  of 
1836,  to  hold  stated  meetings  for  covenant  and  confer- 
ence. They  met  for  this  purpose  in  the  new  meeting 
house  for  the  first  time,  on  the  22d  of  September, 
1849.  The  day  being  stormy  but  few  were  present — 
none  except  male  members.  The  subject  of  organizing 
an  independent  church,  was,  however,  introduced  and 
discussed  and  it  was  decided  to  give  public  notice  on 
the  Sabbath  of  a  meeting  to  further  consider  the 
propriety  of  the  proposed  measure.  Accordingly  on 
the  30th  inst.,  at  the  close  of  the  usual  services,  an 
invitation  was  given  to  all  interested  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  church,  to  remain.  "A  goodly  number 
tarried."  After  a  full  interchange  of  views  it  was 
determined  to  organize  as  an  independent  church,  and 
a  committee  was  appointed  to  convene  a  council  and 
also  to  call  on  all  the  members  of  Bethany  Church,  or 
other  churches,  residing  in  the  vicinity  and  procure 
letters  of  dismission  for  them  from  their  respective 
churches. 

The  council,  composed  of  delegates  from  Bethany, 
Lebanon,  Honesdale,  Damascus,  Paupack  Eddy  and 
Ten  Mile  River,  convened  according  to  invitation  on 
Thursday  the  25th  of  October,  1849,  in  the  new  meet- 
ing house,  and  organized  by  appointing  Rev.  J.  T. 
Mitchell,  moderator,  and  Dea.   C.  M.   Hayden,  clerk. 


224  -  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

Twenty-two  members,  six  males  and  sixteen  females, 
presented  letters  of  commendation  from  Bethany 
Church,  together  with  their  Articles  of  Faith  and 
church  Covenant,  and  were  recognized  by  the  council 
according  to  their  request,  as  the  First  Baptist  Church 
of  Berlin,  by  the  usual  order  of  religious  services. 
The  following  ministers  took  part  in  the  public  services 
of  recognition,  viz.,  D.  F.  Leach,  Andrew  Hopper,  H. 
Curtis,  M.  M.  Everts  and  J.  T.  Mitchell. 

Rev.  A.  Hopper  became  the  first  pastor  of  this  in- 
fant church — his  services  to  be  shared  with  the  Bethany 
and  Lebanon  Churches — and  continued  to  sustain  that 
relation  until  the  Spring  of  1850,  when  he  resigned 
his  charge  of  these  churches  and  removed  from  the 
vicinity.  The  church  was  now  left  destitute  of  stated 
preaching,  yet  weekly  prayer  and  monthly  covenant 
meetings  were  regularly  held  and  occasionally  well 
attended. 

On  the  3d  of  May,  1851,  Rev.  J.  P.  Stalbird  having 
settled  at  Smith  Hill,  united  with  the  church  by  letter 
from  Ten  Mile  River,  and  accepted  the  pastoral  charge. 
The  church  also  resolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  to  visit  delinquent  members.  On  the  16th  of 
August  following,  delegates  were  appointed  to  attend 
the  Abington  Association  and  instructed  to  ask  admis- 
sion into  that  body.  The  request  was  granted  and  the 
church  admitted  into  the  Association  with  twenty-seven 
communicants. 

On  the  25th  of  September,  Mr.  John  Smith  deceased. 
He  was  one  of  the  constituent  members  and  occupied 
a  prominent  place  in  the  business  affairs  of  the  church 
and  congregation,  and  bore  most  of  the  expense  of  build- 


BERLIN     CHURCH.  225 

ing  the  meeting  house.  On  the  1st  of  May,  1852,  the 
pastor  was  released  one-half  of  the  time  to  supply  the 
Lebanon  Church.  The  resignation  of  Mr.  Stalbird 
was  accepted  on  the  2d  of  April,  1853,  and  Rev;  San- 
ford  Leach  was  secured  as  his  successor.  Under  the 
labors  of  Mr.  Leach  the  cause  was  revived  and  har- 
mony restored.  The  work  was  gradual  but  gracious. 
An  occasional  conversion  and  baptism  stirred  the  hearts 
and  strengthened  the  hands  of  pastor  and  people. 
Three  persons  were  baptized  on  the  5th  of  June  fol- 
lowing, and  on  the  6th  of  August  four  were  received 
as  candidates  for  that  ordinance,  and  two  united  with 
the  church  by  letter.  Again,  on  the  25th  of  Novem- 
ber four  related  their  experience  and  were  accepted  as 
candidates  for  baptism.  Thus  the  gracious  work 
moved  gradually  forward.  They  report  to  the  Associa- 
tion in  1854,  thirty-one  as  their  total  membershp  and 
say  in  their  letter,  that  a  spirit  of  union  is  manifest, 
and  a  willingness  to  pray  and  labor  for  the  advance- 
ment of  the  cause  and  conversion  of  souls.  Mr.  Leach 
resigned  his  pastorate  last  Spring  ;  since  that  time, 
Rev.  A.  Hopper  has  preached  for  them  every  alternate 
Sabbath.  Covenant  meetings  are  well  attended  and  an 
interest  is  felt  in  every  good  cause. 

The  church  was,  however,  soon  left  destitute  of  stated 
preaching,  and  the  cause  began  to  decline.  Thus  they 
remained  until  the  Spring  of  1856,  when  Rev.  Newell 
Callender  made  them  a  timely  visit,  and  continued  to 
preach  for  them  occasionally.  On  the  9th  of  August, 
of  that  year,  he  was  chosen  pastor  of  the  church,  and 
Mr.  Joseph  N.  Fairchild,  attending  the  University  at 
Hamilton,  New  York,  was  licensed  to  preach  the  Gos- 


226  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

pel,  and  dismissed  from  the  church.  He  has  since  been 
ordained  to  the  ministry  at  West  Troy,  New  York, 
where  he  soon  finished  his  course  and  entered  upon  his 
reward.  In  November  following,  Mr.  Callender  held  a 
series  of  evening  meetings  with  the  church.  The  effort 
was  blessed  and  the  membership  of  the  church  doubled. 
They  report  to  the  Association  in  1857,  25  received  by 
baptism,  and  50  as  their  total  membership,  and  say  in 
their  letter,  that  they  have  great  reason  to  thank  the 
Lord,  that  they  still  live  and  remain  firm  in  the  faith 
of  the  Gospel.  They  held  a  protracted  meeting  last 
November,  in  which  their  pastor  labored  devotedly,  and 
God  owned  and  blessed  the  effort.  Backsliders  were 
reclaimed  and  sinners  converted.  They  have  fre- 
quently visited  the  baptismal  waters.  Mr.  Callender 
still  labors  with  them  one-fourth  of  the  time  ;  their 
congregations  are  large  and  covenant  meetings  well 
attended. 


NEWTON    CHURCH.  227 

NEWTON  CHURCH. 

This  church  is  a  continuation  of  the  Falls  Church, 
the  origin  of  which  is  involved  in  much  obscurity.  We 
are  not  informed  as  to  the  precise  date  of  its  organiza- 
tion. It  was,  however,  constituted  with  six  members, 
some  time  in  the  Spring  of  1828,  in  the  southern  por- 
tion of  Falls — now  Newton — Luzerne  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania. This  little  band  had  been  gathered  chiefly 
through  the  instrumentality  of  Mr.  Isaac  D.  Jones,  a 
licentiate  of  the  church  at  Exeter,  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  Susquehanna.  The  Falls  Church,  embracing 
nine  communicants,  was  admitted  into  the  Association 
at  its  annual  meeting,  held  in  the  following  Autumn. 
Mr.  Jones  continued  to  supply  the  church  with  general 
acceptance,  and  on  the  21st  of  January,  1830,  he  was 
ordained  as  an  Evangelist,  by  a  council  convened  at  the 
request  of  the  Exeter  and  Northmoreland  Churches. 
The  church  at  Falls  was  represented  in  the  council,  and 
the  services  of  Mr.  Jones  were  retained.  Soon  after 
his  ordination,  the  church  "  enjoyed  a  precious  revival" 
under  his  faithful  labors.  Thirteen  were  received  by 
letter  and  baptism,  and  the  membership  was  more  than 
doubled.  Mr.  Jones  continued  to  preach  occasionally 
for  the  church,  until  the  Autumn  of  1833,  when,  it  is 
supposed,  he  retired  from  the  field.  They  report  to  the 
Association  of  that  year,  seven  received  by  baptism, 
and  30  as  their  total  membership,  and  also  say  in  their 
letter,  that  they  have  received  some  of  the  precious 
blessings  of  converting  grace  and  taken  sweet  counsel 
together,  in  meditating  on  the  law  of  the  Lord  and 
walking  in  the  way  of  his  commands. 


228  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

This,  however,  was  the  meridian  of  their  prosperity. 
From  this  time,  the  church  from  various  causes,  began 
to  gradually  decline.  Without  regular  preaching  and 
pastoral  care,  the  members  soon  became  distracted  and 
disheartened.  Some  abandoned  the  cause  and  united 
with  other  denominations.  Others  yielded  to  the  power 
of  appetite  and  fell  into  habits  of  intemperance.  Thus 
the  cause  was  wasted  and  weakened.  A  feeble  effort 
was  occasionally  made  to  raise  the  falling  standard  and 
rally  the  scattered  forces.  Rev.  John  Miller  preached 
occasionally  for  them,  from  1836  to  '39,  and  Rev. 
James  Clark  supplied  them  a  part  of  the  time  during 
1840;  but  all  to  little  purpose;  the  church  had  become 
too  weak  to  be  revived.  Covenant  meetings,  however, 
were  occasionally  held  until  the  Spring  of  1845,  when 
they  were  entirely  suspended.  It  gives  us  pleasure  to 
make  honorable  mention  of  such  as  remained  faithful. 
Catharine  Litts  and  Catharine  Smith,  since  deceased, 
with  a  few  others,  were  the  last  to  desert  the  waning 
cause  or  distrust  the  divine  promise.  Bat  they,  too, 
finally  retired  from  the  unequal  conflict,  to  weep  in  soli- 
tude over  the  desolations  of  Zion.  The  light  was  now 
extinguished  and  the  lamp  removed. 

In  the  Winter  of  1849  and  '50,  Rev.  Silas  Finn 
visited  the  place  and  sought  out  the  scattered  members. 
By  his  advice  a  meeting  was  called  on  the  2d  of  Febru- 
ary, of  that  Winter ;  the  Falls  Church  was  formally 
disbanded  and  the  Newton  Church  was  immediately 
organized  with  nine  constituent  members.  Articles  of 
Faith  and  a  church  Covenant  were  also  considered  and 
adopted.  On  the  20th  of  the  same  month  this  infant 
church  was  recognized  by  a  council  of  ministers  and 


NEWTON    CHURCH.  229 

members  convened  for  that  purpose  from  Benton, 
Eaton,  Exeter,  and  Northmoreland  churches.  Rev. 
Wm.  Frear  officiated  as  moderator,  and  Rev.  Silas  Finn 
acted  as  clerk  of  the  council.  Rev.  Geo.  W.  Schofield 
and  others  were  present  and  participated  in  the  exer- 
cises. It  was  a  season  of  peculiar  interest  as  well  as 
anxiety  to  the  few  members  of  this  feeble  church.  In 
the  midst  of  opposition,  without  a  house  of  worship  of 
their  own,  they  could  but  feel  the  importance  of  the 
step  they  had  taken  and  responsibility  of  the  position 
they  had  assumed.  The  pastoral  services  of  Mr.  Finn 
were  soon  after  engaged  for  one-half  of  the  time  and 
were  enjoyed  during  most  of  three  years  following. 
His  labors  were  highly  prized  and  greatly  prospered. 
Frequent  additions  were  received,  and  within  a  few 
months  the  membership  was  doubled.  When  the 
church  united  with  the  Association  in  the  following 
Autumn,  it  embraced  eighteen  communicants. 

In  1851  a  shower  of  grace  descended  on  the  thirsty 
soil,  causing  the  desert  to  rejoice  and  blossom  as  the 
rose.  Some  fifty  persons  were  hopefully  converted  in 
the  vicinity ;  ten  of  whom  were  baptized  by  the  pastor 
and  admitted  to  fellowship  in  the  church.  They  report 
to  the  Association  of  that  year,  thirty-one  as  their  total 
membership.  Their  history  during  the  year  following, 
is  marked  by  few  changes  of  especial  interest  or  impor^- 
tance.  The  members  lived  in  peace  and  labored  in 
harmony.  The  pastor  did  not  devote  his  efforts  exclu- 
sively to  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  church  and  con- 
gregation, but  he  was  accustomed  to  visit  surrounding 
neighborhoods,  preaching  in  school  houses  or  private 
dwellings,  whenever  and  wherever  a  door  was  opened 
20 


230  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

or  opportunity  offered.  He  also  sought  out  the  ne- 
glected and  supplied  the  destitute  with  Bibles  and  Tes- 
taments. 

Mr.  Finn  having  resigned,  Rev.  John  Miller  and  his 
wife  united  with  the  church  by  letter  in  1853,  and  he 
accepted  the  pastoral  charge — to  preach  one-half  of 
the  time.  His  labors  were  measurably  prospered. 
They  report  to  the  Association  of  that  year,  eight  re- 
ceived by  baptism  and  38  as  their  total  membership, 
and  also  say  in  their  letter,  that  covenant  meetings  are 
well  attended  with  increasing  interest.  In  the  follow- 
ing year  one  was  received  by  baptism  and  a  usual  de- 
gree of  prosperity  continued.  In  the  Winter  of  1854 
and  '55  an  especial  effort  was  made  within  the  bounds 
of  the  church,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Benj.  Miller, 
a  licentiate  of  Abington  church,  and  son  of  the  venera- 
ble pastor.  The  meetings  were  blessed  and  a  number 
of  the  impenitent  hopefully  converted,  who  were  subse- 
quently baptized  and  admitted  into  the  church.  On 
the  18th  of  April,  1855,  Mr.  Benj.  Miller  was  ordained 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry  by  a  council  convened  in 
Newton,  at  the  request  of  the  Abington  Church,  of 
which  he  was  a  member.  He  now  became  associated 
with  his  father  as  pastor  of  Newton  Church — -each 
preaching  one-half  of  the  time.  This  arrangement  was 
continued  until  the  decease  of  the  senior  pastor,  Febru- 
ary 19th,  1857,  when  Mr.  Benj.  Miller  became  sole 
pastor.  Under  his  labors  the  church  has  prospered 
and  made  some  progress.  They  report  to  the  Associa- 
tion in  1856,  three  received  by  baptism  and  forty-four 
as  their  total  membership.  They  also  say  in  their 
letter  to  the  Association  in  1857,  that  they  enjoy  the 


NEWTON     CHURCH.  231 

faithful  labors  of  Rev.  Charles  Parker,  one-fourth  of 
the  time.  Their  congregations  are  large  and  attentive. 
They  mourn  the  death  of  one  of  their  most  devoted 
members,  Rev.  John  Miller,  a  faithful  minister,  father 
and  friend.  Messrs.  S.  H.  Cooper  and  Benj.  Rosen- 
crans  are  the  esteemed  Deacons  of  this  church. 


232  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES, 

WEST  ABINGTON  CHURCH. 

The  First  Abington  Church  extended  over  the  "West 
Settlement"  for  nearly  half  a  center j.     Some   of  its 
constituent  members  and  many  of  its  subsequent  con- 
verts resided  in  that  neighborhood.     Messrs.  Jonathan 
Dean,  George  Gardner,  James  Dean  and  Phineas  Rey- 
nolds, were  among  its  original  members  ;  their  names 
also    frequently   appear  in  the  early  records  of  that 
church.     In  March,  1803,  "  a  meeting  for  public  wor- 
ship" was  held  at  the  house  of  Mr.   Jonathan  Dean7 
and   covenant   and   communion    seasons  were    also  at- 
tended at  the  same  place  in  July,  November,  December 
and  March  following.     In  April,  1804,  it  was  agreed 
to  hold  "preparatory  meetings  and  sacrament"  at  the 
house  of  Mr.  George   Gardner  "on  the  first  Sabbath  of 
each  alternate  month,  commencing  with  July  following. 
This  arrangement  was  continued  for  a  number  of  years, 
with  occasional  changes  of  time  and  place  as  conveni- 
ence   suggested  or   necessity  required ;    the   meetings 
also  becoming  less  frequent  as  other  fields  were  entered 
by  the  pastor  and  occupied  by  the  church.     Provision 
was  also  made  for  holding  prayer  and  conference  meet- 
ings in  the  absence  of  Mr.  Miller.,  as  he  was  frequently 
detained  from  his  appointments  by  funerals,  weddings 
and   other   causes.       In   February,   1807,  the  church 
selected  Messrs.   Jonathan  Dean,   George  Gardner  and 
Phineas  Reynolds  "  to  appoint  and  keep  up  meetings 
in   the    'West   Settlement/""      Kxperience   suggested 
other   officers,  and  circumstances  developed  new  gifts. 
In  December  following  Mr.  James  Dean  was  chosen* 
treasurer,  and  in  January,  1808,  Messrs.  Jeremiah  Cap- 


WEST  ABINGTON   CHURCH,  238 

well  and  Daniel  Reynolds  were  appointed  leaders  of 
the  singing  for  this  settlement.  For  many  years  the 
principal  clerk  and  one  of  the  Deacons  of  the  church 
were  also  residents  of  the  neighborhood. 

The  foregoing  facts  and  reflections  will,  perhaps,  suf- 
ficiently indicate  the  future  progress  of  the  cause  and 
privileges  of  the  members,  in  this  portion  of  the  old 
church.  This  interest,  however,  having  come  from  the 
root  and  continued  under  the  rind  of  the  original  tree, 
finally  shot  out  and  soon  became  a  vigorous  branch,  pro- 
ducing abundant  fruit  and  ample  foliage.  Sustaining 
this  intimate  relation  and  dependence,  it  was  sensibly 
affected  by  revivals  or  reverses  originating  in  other 
portions  of  the  church,  and  in  turn  contributed  in  no 
small  degree  to  the  trials  and  triumphs  of  the  general 
cause.  In  January,  1838,  a  revival  commencing  with 
this  branch,  extended  to  the  whole  church  and  exerted 
a  lasting  influence.  At  this  date,  Rev.  James  Clark 
having  closed  a  season  of  successful  labors  in  Benton, 
at  the  request  of  the  brethren  in  West  Abington,  came 
to  their  aid  and  commenced  a  series  of  meetings  in  the 
"  Union  School  House."  The  minds  of  the  people 
seemed  to  anticipate  a  gracious  work.  His  first  ser- 
mon preached  from  2  Samuel,  5 :  24,  produced  marked 
and  immediate  results.  "  The  sound  of  a  going  in  the 
tops  of  the  mulberry  trees,"  was  distinctly  heard  and 
promptly  heeded.  Saints  began  at  once  "  to  bestir" 
themselve  to  earnest  effort,  and  sinners  to  anxious 
solicitude.  This  revival  thus  commenced,  continued 
deepening  and  widening  in  its  onward  sweep,  until  it 
broke  over  its  banks  and  bore  away  all  barriers,  flood- 
ing and  fertilizing  the  entire  field. 


234  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

In  the  following  Summer,  the  members  in  West  Ald- 
ington commenced  building  their  present  meeting  house, 
which  was  subsequently  completed  and  dedicated  to  the 
worship  of  God,  as  is  believed,  on  the  4th  of  July, 
1839.  It  is  a  plain  but  substantial  building,  pleasantly 
and  was  when  erected,  conveniently  situated  in  the 
midst  of  a  moral  and  thrifty  community  of  farmers,  but 
passing  years  and  a  growing  village  have  left  it  com- 
paratively isolated  and  antiquated.  Besides  building 
a  house  of  worship,  an  almost  unanimous  effort  was 
made  by  the  members  to  become  an  independent 
church,  and  secure  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  James 
Clark,  but  both  of  these  cherished  objects  were  finally 
yielded  and  abandoned  in  filial  deference  to  the  sup- 
posed wishes  of  their  venerable  pastor.  They  con- 
tinued to  receive  his  usual  care  and  consented  to  remain 
subject  to  the  old  church,  though  riveling  the  "  East 
Settlement,"  in  pecuniary  means  and  benevolent  con- 
tributions. At  a  subsequent  period  a  similar  attempt 
Was  made  to  secure  the  ministerial  labors  of  Rev.  Wil- 
liam McKowan,  who  was  a  member  of  this  branch  and 
in  needy  circumstances,  but  was  also  defeated  by  the 
same  silent,  yet  effectual  influence. 

Mr.  Miller  continued  preaching  for  this  branch  onoe 
in  two  weeks  until  the  Spring  of  1850,  when  at  his 
suggestion,  Rev.  Andrew  Hopper,  of  Bethany,  became 
junior  pastor  of  the  church,  arranging  with  the  senior 
pastor  to  alternate  their  labors  between  the  "East  and 
West  Settlements."  During  the  Summer,  however, 
relations  between  the  pastors  becoming  somewhat  com- 
plicated and  entangled,  the  members  in  the  "West 
Settlement,"    finally  concluded  in    the   following  Au- 


WEST   ABINGTON    CHURCH.  235 

tumn,  that  it  was  their  bounden  duty  to  separate  from 
the  old  church  and  organize  as  an  independent  body. 
Accordingly,  letters  of  dismission  were  secured  with 
the  cordial  consent  of  the  old  church,  and  a  council  of 
brethren  from  nine  neighboring  churches,  was  convened 
December  19th  of  that  year,  at  the  meeting  house  in 
West  Abington,  Rev.  Win.  K.  Mott  officiating  as 
moderator,  and  Rev.  Rial  Tower  acting  as  clerk. 
Fifty-six  persons,  23  males  and  33  females,  all  with 
letters  of  dismission  from  the  old  church,  except  one, 
then  presented  themselves  with  their  Articles  of  Faith, 
to  the  council  and  received  fellowship  as  the  West  Ab- 
ington Church. 

Thus  organized,  the  church  proceeded  to  appoint 
necessary  officers  and  transact  such  business  as  the 
interests  of  the  cause  and  community  seemed  to  de- 
mand. On  the  28th  of  December  following,  Mr.  Isaac 
Tillinghast,  who  had  officiated  as  Deacon  in  the  old 
church,  was  called  to  the  same  position  in  the  new,  and 
Messrs.  William  Dean,  E.  D.  Gardner  and  Benedict 
Taylor,  were  also  chosen  Deacons  of  the  church.  On 
the  15th  of  February,  1851,  Mr.  E.  P.  Tillinghast  was 
appointed  clerk  of  the  church,  and  Revs.  John  Miller 
and  Andrew  Hopper  were  invited  to  continue  their 
pastoral  relations.  The  former  declining  the  invitation, 
the  latter  became  sole  pastor  of  this  infant  church, 
preaching  for  them  one-half  of  the  time  until  April, 
1852,  when  he  resigned  his  charge  and  retired  from 
the  field.  Under  his  labors  the  cause  was  measurably 
prospered.  When  the  church  united  with  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  Autumn  of  1851,  they  report  one  received 
on  experience,  seven  by  baptism  and  23  by  letter,  in- 


236  HISTORICAL     SKETCHES. 

creasing  their  total  membership  to  87.  In  the  Spring 
of  1852,  Rev.  Sanford  Leach  became  pastor  of  the 
church  and  sustained  that  relation  through  the  current 
year.  During  that  time  the  church  was  called  to 
mourn  the  death  of  Dea.  Tillinghast,  a  man  universally- 
esteemed  and  lamented.  A.  W.  Taylor  a  young  man 
of  much  promise  also  died  in  the  triumphs  of  faith. 
Mr.  Leach  near  the  close  of  his  labors  was  aided  in  a 
series  of  meetings  by  Rev.  C.  H.  Harvey,  resulting  in 
the  hopeful  conversion  of  a  number  of  persons. 

In  the  Spring  of  1853,  Rev.  Charles  A.  Fox  became 
pastor  of  the  church,  dividing  his  labors  between  this 
and  the  old  church.  He  still  sustains  this  relation 
with  great  faithfulness  and  general  favor.  Under  his 
ministry  the  church  has  enjoyed  uniform  peace  and 
prosperity.  The  clerk  of  the  church  having  been  re- 
moved by  death  in  July,  1853,  Mr.  Alvinzy  Gardner 
was  appointed  to  that  office  in  August  following — a 
position  he  still  occupies,  besides  making  himself  gene- 
rally useful.  The  church  report  to  the  Association  in 
the  Fall  of  that  year,  28  baptisms  and  106  communi- 
cants, and  say  in  their  letter  that  their  interest  in  the 
great  moral  reforms  of  the  day,  is  still  unabated ;  they 
believe  the  cause  of  God  and  humanity  are  identical. 

Few  changes  of  especial  interest  have  marked  or 
marred  the  remaining  history  of  this  young  but  vigor- 
ous church.  The  members  have  sustained  Sabbath 
Schools  and  prayer  meetings,  and  manifested  a  com- 
mendable spirit  of  Christian  benevolence.  They  have 
also  borne  a  uniform  and  united  testimony  against 
slavery  as  the  "sum  of  all  villanies,"  and  intemper- 
ance as  the  source  of  untold  crime  and  misery.     The 


WEST   ABINGTON    CHURCH.  237 

church  report  to  the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of 
1857,  four  baptisms  and  113  communicants,  and  say  in 
their  letter  that  they  are  endeavoring  to  sustain  the 
cause  of  Christ  at  home,  and  contribute  to.  its  universal 
spread  in  the  world. 


238  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

UNION  CHURCH. 

Most  of  the  members  of  this  church  reside  in  the 
eastern  part  of  Clifford,  and  southern  portion  of  Her- 
rick,  Susquehanna  county,  Pennsylvania.  "  The  city," 
or  McCawley's  Mills,  situated  about  two  miles  north  of 
Dundaff,  had  been  for  some  years  an  out-station  of 
First  Clifford  Church,  the  pastor,  Rev.  C.  Miller, 
preaching  here  once  a  month.  His  visits,  however, 
were  discontinued  in  the  Autumn  of  1850.  Ministers 
of  the  Methodist,  Presbyterian  and  Old  School  Bap- 
tist denominations  also  preached  occasionally  in  the 
vicinity. 

In  the  Spring  of  1851,  Mr.  D.  W.  Halsted,  a  mem- 
ber of  First  Clifford  Church,  commenced  holding  stated 
meetings  in  a  school  house  at  "  the  city."  The  services 
consisted  of  singing,  prayer  and  reading  sermons. 
The  congregations  soon  became  comparatively  large 
and  attentive.  In  the  latter  part  of  June  of  that 
year,  the  propriety  of  organizing  an  independent  church 
was  introduced  and  discussed.  Soon  after,  a  number 
of  persons  residing  in  the  "vicinity,  who  had  been  con- 
nected with  the  Herrick  and  Second  Clifford  churches, 
recently  disbanded,  were  visited  and  consulted.  Eight 
living  members  were  found  among  the  ruins  of  Herrick 
Church,  but  none  survived  the  fall  of  Second  Clifford 
to  unite  in  the  new  interest.  Eight  from  First  Clifford 
Church,  and  one  from  Berean  Church  of  Carbondale, 
also  united  with  the  eight  from  Herrick,  and  organized 
as  an  independent  church. 

On  the  25th  of  July,  1851,  a  council  of  recognition 
was  convened  at  "  the  city,"  composed  of  delegates 


UNION   CHURCH.  239 

from  West  Abington,  Benton,  Jackson  and  Gibson, 
Greenfield  and  Carbondale  churches.  Rev.  J.  B. 
Worden  officiated  as  moderator  of  the  council,  and  Rev. 
Daniel  E.  Bowen  acted  as  clerk.  Seventeen  brethren 
and  sisters  presented  letters  of  dismission  from  their 
respective  churches,  together  with  their  Articles  of 
Faith  and  church  covenant,  and  were  recognized  as  the 
Union  Baptist  Church.  The  public  services  were  con- 
ducted by  Revs.  Charles  Griffin,  J.  L.  Richmond,  A. 
Hopper,  D.  E.  Bowen  and  J.  W.  Parker.  The  inter- 
view was  pleasant  and  profitable.  "Much,"  says  one 
who  was  present,  "  of  the  Spirit's  influence  was  felt ; 
it  was  good  to  be  there." 

On  the  following  day  two  united  with  the  church  by 
letter  and  one  by  baptism.  The  ordinances  were  also 
administered  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Parker,  and  his  services 
engaged  for  one-fourth  of  the  time — the  remaining 
portion  to  be  occupied  by  Mr.  D.  W.  Halsted  in  read- 
ing sermons  and  other  religious  services.  The  church 
was  prospered  and  encouraged  with  frequent  additions 
by  letter  and  baptism.  At  the  first  covenant  meeting 
of  the  church,  held  on  the  23d  of  August  following, 
Messrs.  Alanson  Halsted  and  Thomas  Burns  were  ap- 
pointed Deacons  ;  they  still  continue  to  serve  the  cause 
in  this  capacity  with  general  acceptance.  When  the 
church  united  with  the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of 
that  year,  they  report  nine  received  by  letter  and  bap- 
tism, and  twenty-seven  as  their  total  membership. 

From  this  time  until  the  following  May,  they  were 
deprived  of  the  labors  of  their  pastor  who  was  prostra- 
ted by  a  painful  and  protracted  sickness.  During  that 
time,  however,  covenant  meetings  were  sustained  and 


240  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

stated  services  held  on  the  Sabbath.  An  unpleasant 
case  of  discipline  was  faithfully  conducted  and  amica- 
bly settled  without  discord  or  distraction.  In  the 
Spring  of  1852,  the  pastor  being  restored  to  compara- 
tive health,  resumed  his  labors  and  continued  to  preach 
for  the  church  one-fourth  of  the  time  until  the  23d  of 
April,  1853,  when  he  resigned  his  charge  and  retired 
from  the  field. 

The  church,  now  left  destitute  of  a  settled  pastor, 
was  regularly  supplied  by  Mr.  D.  W.  Halsted,  previ- 
ously licensed  to  "improve  his  gift"  within  its  bounds. 
By  his  changing  with  neighboring  ministers,  the  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  occasionally  celebrated 
in  the  church.  The  instrumentalities  employed  were 
blessed ;  Sabbath  and  covenant  meetings  increased  in 
interest  until  the  house  where  they  met  was  thronged 
with  attentive  hearers.  The  members  were  moved  to 
prayerful  effort,  and  sinners  to  seek  salvation.  In 
December  of  that  year,  meetings  were  held  days  and 
evenings.  Rev.  William  A.  Miller,  of  Greenfield,  came 
to  their  aid  and  assisted  in  the  services.  A  few  ser- 
mons were  also  preached  by  Rev.  William  K.  Mott,  of 
Hyde  Park,  and  Rev.  Silas  Finn,  of  Benton.  On  the 
1st  of  January,  1854,  nine  precious  youth  were  bap- 
tized and  received  into  the  church. 

On  the  25th  of  February  following,  Mr.  D.  W.  Hal- 
sted was  licensed  to  "improve  his  gift"  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Association,  and  invited  to  supply  the 
church  one-half  of  the  time,  and  Rev.  Wm.  A.  Miller 
was  also  chosen  pastor  of  the  church — to  occupy  the 
remaining  half  of  the  time  for  one  year.  In  the  Sum- 
mer of  1854,  plans  were  devised  and  preparations  made 


UNION    CHURCH.  241 

for  building  a  house  of  worship.  The  frame  was 
erected  September  4th  of  that  year,  and  enclosed,  and 
the  house  completed  during  the  Winter  and  Spring  fol- 
lowing. It  was  dedicated  May  3d,  1855,  with  appro- 
priate religious  services.  The  house  is  a  neat  structure 
pleasantly  located.  It  is  a  monument  to  the  enlightened 
zeal  and  willing  sacrifices  of  the  church  and  commu- 
nity— especially  of  the  few  who  bore  the  burden  of 
the  toil  and  expense.  They  report  to  the  Association 
of  this  year,  thirty-five  as  their  total  membership,  and 
say  in  their  letter  that  the  past  year  has  been  to  them 
one  of  sacrifice  and  affliction.  They  have  completed 
and  dedicated  a  neat  and  convenient  house  of  worship. 
A  small  debt  remains  to  be  provided  for.  They  mourn 
the  death  of  Mr.  S.  B.  Halsted,  a  young  man  of  much 
promise,  highly  esteemed  and  sincerely  lamented.  His 
sister  Mary  also  died  in  less  than  a  year  from  the  de- 
cease of  her  brother.  She  was  amiable  and  devoted 
in  life,  and  happy  and  triumphant  in  death.  They  re- 
port to  the  Association  in  1856,  one  received  by  bap- 
tism, three  excluded  and  thirty-three  as  their  total 
membership.  In  December  of  that  year,  Rev.  William 
A.  Miller  was  again  invited  to  labor  for  the  church 
one-fourth  or  one-half  of  the  time  as  they  might  be  able 
to  secure  the  necessary  means  to  reward  his  services. 
He  commenced  his  labors  on  the  13th  of  January  fol- 
lowing. During  the  Spring  and  Sumner  of  that  year 
the  cause  seemed  to  wane  and  the  interest  to  decline. 
Unsettled  difficulties  exerted  a  blighting  influence  on 
the  prosperity  of  the  church.  Rev.  A.  0.  Stearns 
succeeded  Mr.  Miller  as  pastor  of  the  church.  Under 
his  labors  peace  and  harmony  have  been  apparently 
21 


242  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

restored.  They  report  to  the  Association  in  1857, 
thirty-one  as  their  total  membership,  and  say  they  hope 
to  see  the  salvation  of  God  and  pray  for  a  revival  of 
genuine  piety.  They  sustain  a  Bible  Class  and  Sab- 
bath School. 


ASHLAND     CHURCH.  243 

ASHLAND  CHURCH. 

A  few  brethren  and  sisters,  members  of  various  Bap- 
tist churches,  residing  in  the  vicinity  of  "Beech  Pond," 
Wayne  county,  Pennsylvania,  met  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
Hiram  M.  Gillett,  November  29th,  1851,  to  consider 
the  propriety  of  organizing  as  an  independent  church. 
Rev.  J.  P.  Stalbird  being  present,  presided  as  modera- 
tor of  the  meeting.  After  a  free  interchange  of  views 
without  arriving  at  any  definite  conclusion,  the  meeting 
adjourned  to  the  13th  of  December  following. 

The  above  brethren  and  sisters  met  again  according 
to  adjournment  and  organized  as  the  Ashland  Baptist 
Church,  and  adopted  Articles  of  Faith  and  a  church 
Covenant.  Meetings  were  also  held  on  the  1st  and 
17th  of  January,  1852,  for  mutual  encouragement  and 
the  transaction  of  church  business.  The  church  met 
on  the  14th  of  February  following,  and  made  arrange- 
ments to  call  a  council  of  recognition,  and  also  appoint- 
ed the  Saturday  before  the  third  Sabbath  in  each 
month  for  holding  covenant  meetings,  subsequently 
changed  to  the  Saturday  before  the  first  Sabbath. 

The  council  composed  of  delegates  from  West  Abing- 
ton,  Berlin,  Bethany,  Damascus,  Honesdale  and  Ten 
Mile  River  churches,  convened  according  to  request, 
March  18th,  1852,  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  meeting 
house  of  Ashland.  On  account  of  the  violence  of  the 
storm,  delegates  invited  from  other  churches  were  un- 
able to  attend.  The  council  being  organized,  ten  per- 
sons, five  males,  and  five  females  presented  letters  of 
dismission  from  sister  churches  as  follows,  viz.,  six 
from   Bethany,  two  from  Ten  Mile  River,   one  from 


244  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

Damascus  and  one  from  Lebanon,  and  were  recognized 
by  the  council  as  the  Ashland  Baptist  Church  by  ap- 
propriate religious  services.  The  public  exercises  of 
recognition,  were  conducted  by  Revs.  A.  Hopper  and 
M.  M.  Everet. 

Rev.  J.  P.  Stalbird  preached  occasionally  for  the 
church  until  the  28th  of  May  following,  when  the  pas- 
toral labors  of  Rev.  A.  Hopper  were  engaged  for  a 
portion  of  the  time.  He  continued  to  serve  the  church 
in  this  relation  for  some  two  years  with  general  accep- 
tance. The  church  was  aided  to  some  extent  by  the 
Pennsylvania  Baptist  Convention,  in  sustaining  their 
pastor. 

In  the  Autumn  of  1852,  the  church  was  admitted 
into  the  Association,  with  twelve  communicants.  On 
the  25th  of  December  following,  Messrs.  Isaac  Doughty 
and  Henry  Henshaw  were  chosen  Deacons  of  the 
church,  and  the  Lord's  Supper  was  appointed  to  be 
celebrated  once  in  three  months.  Covenant  meetings 
continued  to  be  statedly  held  and  were  frequently 
seasons  of  peculiar  interest.  Additions  were  occasion- 
ally received  by  letter  and  baptism,  and  the  church 
seems  to  have  enjoyed  uninterrupted  peace  and  com- 
parative prosperity.  They  report  to  the  Association 
in  1853,  six  received  by  baptism  and  twenty  as  their 
total  membership. 

During  the  following  year,  little  of  general  interest 
transpired  in  the  church.  One  person  was  received  on 
experience  and  one  member  was  excluded.  It  was  evi- 
dently a  season  of  coldness  and  declension.  They  say 
in  their  letter  to  the  Association  in  1854,  that  they 
have  reason  to  complain  of  themselves  on  account  of 


ASHLAND     CHURCH.  245 

their  apathy  and  delinquencies.  Their  prayer  meet- 
ings are  neglected  and  covenant  seasons  irregularly 
attended.  There  is  also  a  want  of  brotherly  love  and 
heartfelt  union.  They  do  not,  however,  entirely  des- 
pair ;  their  hope  is  in  the  Lord  who  has  so  often  turned 
drops  of  sorrow  into  fountains  of  comfort.  The  Gospel 
is  statedly  and  faithfully  preached  by  their  pastor,  Mr. 
Hopper. 

During  the  following  two  years  the  records  of  the 
church  are  a  blank,  with  few  exceptions.  They  did  not 
represent  themselves  to  the  Association  in  1855  and 
'56.  In  May  of  1857,  Rev.  Newell  Callender  com- 
menced preaching  for  the  church  once  in  two  weeks. 
Under  his  faithful  labors  the  members  soon  began  to 
rally  and  the  interest  to  rise.  On  the  27th  of  June 
following,  an  interesting  covenant  meeting  was  held, 
and  two  persons  were  received  on  experience  and  one 
by  baptism.  On  the  25th  of  July,  "  the  church,"  as  the 
record  runs,  "  held  their  regular  covenant  meeting  at 
the  school  house  near  Mr.  Doughty's — members  gener- 
ally present — had  a  good  time."  They  report  to  the 
Association  in  1857,  one  received  by  baptism  and  nine- 
teen as  their  total  membership,  and  say  that  their  con- 
gregations are  large  and  attentive,  and  tokens  of  good 
are  apparent.  The  prospects  of  the  church  at  present 
are  encouraging.  An  interesting  revival  is  now  in  suc- 
cessful progress. 


24G  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

SECOND  DAMASCUS  CHURCH. 

This  church,  was  organized  of  persons  formerly  con- 
nected with  the  First  Damascus  Church  and  acting  as 
a  branch  of  that  body.  They  lived  chiefly  in  two  ad- 
jacent neighborhoods  situated  on  two  roads,  some  six 
miles  west  and  south-west  from  the. meeting  house 
of  the  First  Church.  They  had  been  supplied  for 
some  years  with  stated  preaching  in  their  immediate 
neighborhoods  by  Rev.  J.  T.Mitchell  "much  to  their 
comfort  and  edification.  But  living  quite  remote  from 
the  usual  place  of  holding  church  meetings,  it  was  be- 
lieved that  it  would  be  for  the  glory  of  God  and 
extension  of  his  Kingdom  to  organize  as  a  separate 
and  independent  body."  Accordingly  letters  of  dismis- 
sion were  taken  from  the  First  Damascus  Church,  and 
a  council  of  brethren  from  Clinton,  Callicoon,  Hones- 
dale  and  Lebanon  churches,  was  convened  in  the  wes- 
tern portion  of  Damascus,  Wayne  county,  Pennsylvania, 
December  19th,  1851.  Eleven  persons,  seven  males 
and  four  females,  presented  themselves  to  the  council, 
and  received  fellowship  as  the  Second  Baptist  Church 
of  Damascus.  Rev.  Henry  Curtis  acted  as  moderator 
of  the  council  and  preached  the  sermon  of  recognition 
from  Matt.  21 :  42. 

Rev.  John  T.  Mitchell,  one  of  the  constituent  mem- 
bers, was  immediately  chosen  pastor  of  this  infant 
church  and  continued  to  serve  the  cause  in  that  rela- 
tion with  general  acceptance  until  his  decease  in  the 
Summer  of  1856.  Mr.  John  S.  Dodge,  also  one  of  the 
constituent  members  and  a  licentiate  of  the  church, 
commenced  and  has  continued  preaching  occasionally 
within  the  bounds  of  the  church. 


SECOND    DAMASCUS    CHURCH.  247 

When  the  church  united  with  the  Association  in  the 
Autumn  of  1852,  it  embraced  sixteen  communicants. 
At  this  time  the  pastor  and  most  of  his  family  were 
greatly  afflicted  from  severe  and  protracted  sickness. 
All,  however,  recovered  except  a  son  and  daughter. 
While  the  labors  of  the  pastor  were  thus  suspended, 
the  church  was  regularly  supplied  with  preaching  by 
Mr.  Dodge.  On  the  16th  of  October  of  that  year, 
Messrs.  Levi  H.  Welton  and  J.  S.  Dodge  were  ap- 
pointed Deacons  of  the  church,  and  still  sustain  that 
relation.  Mr.  H.  W.  Mitchell  was  also  elected  clerk 
of  the  church  and  still  acts  in  that  capacity. 

In  1853  the  church  report  two  received  by  baptism 
and  23  as  their  total  membership,  increased  in  1854  to 
25,  and  in  the  following  year  to  26.  They  say  in  their 
letter  to  the  Association  of  this  year,  that  they  have 
been  preserved  from  discord  and  measurably  prospered. 
They  sustain  an  interesting  Bible  Class  and  Sabbath 
School  and  are  endeavoring  to  aid  various  objects  of 
Christian  benevolence.  In  1856  they  report  four  re- 
ceived by  baptism  and  31  as  their  total  membership. 
This  year  was  marked  by  the  death  of  their  pastor, 
Rev.  John  T.  Mitchell.  He  died  on  the  29th  of  July, 
aged  55  years,  missed  and  mourned  by  a  large  circle 
of  relatives  and  acquaintances.  "  His  daily  walk  as 
a  Christian,"  says  one  who  knew  him  personally,  "was 
such  as  to  secure  the  confidence  of  his  neighbors  and 
aifectionate  regard  of  the  people  of  God.  As  a  minis- 
ter of  Christ,  he  was  faithful.  His  preaching  was 
not  with  enticing  words,  but  in  demonstration  of  the 
Spirit.  As  a  pastor  he  endeavored  to  watch  over  and 
feed  the  people  of  his  charge.     In  his  last  sickness, 


248  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

though  suffering  at  intervals  severe  pain,  yet  his  mind 
was  fixed  on  the  immutable  promises  of  God." 

The  church,  thus  deprived  of  the  presence  and 
preaching  of  their  pastor,  were,  however,  regularly 
supplied  by  Mr.  J.  S.  Dodge.  They  report  to  the  As- 
sociation in  1857,  thirty-one  as  their  total  membership. 
In  October  of  that  year  Rev.  Newell  Callender  accept- 
ed the  pastoral  charge  of  the  church.  Under  his 
faithful  labors  the  cause  was  greatly  revived.  He  was 
aided  in  a  series  of  meetings  by  Rev.  E.  A.  Francis, 
which  resulted  in  the  hopeful  conversion  of  a  large 
number  of  the  impenitent.  Forty-nine  were  baptized 
on  a  profession  of  faith  and  admitted  to  membership 
in  the  church.  Thus  seed,  long  since  sown  in  faith 
and  watered  with  tears,  has  finally  sprung  up  and 
yielded  an  abundant  harvest. 


MOUNT   BETHEL   CHURCH.  249 


MOUNT  BETHEL  CHURCH. 

This  church  is  located  in  the  western  portion  of 
Scott,  Luzerne  county,  Pennsylvania,  in  the  Olmstead 
neighborhood.  Among  the  earlier  inhabitants,  were 
some  three  or  four  persons  belonging  to  the  Abington 
Church.  Messrs.  Abijah  Dann  and  Benjamin  Miller 
occasionally  visited  the  neighborhood  and  held  prayer 
and  conference  meetings  in  the  "  Olmstead  School 
House."  Eew  changes  of  especial  interest  occurred  in 
the  place  until  the  Winter  of  1849  and  '50,  when  a 
a  precious  revival  was  enjoyed  under  the  labors  of 
Messrs.  Benjamin  Miller  and  Charles  Parker,  and  a 
comparatively  large  number  of  persons  living  in  the 
settlement  were  baptized  and  received  as  members  of 
the  Abington  Church.  The  work  commenced  with  the 
Methodists  and  Six  Principle  Baptists,  at  Clark's  Green, 
and  continued  to  spread  until  it  reached  this  neighbor- 
hood, and  resulted  in  a  general  revival. 

In  the  Summer  of  1852  the  brethren  and  sisters 
living  in  the  Olmstead  settlement  were  set  off  as  a 
branch  of  the  Abington  Church,  with  the  privilege  of 
holding  covenant  meetings  and  transacting  all  neces- 
sary business  subject  to  the  inspection  and  approval  of 
the  parent  church.  In  the  Autumn  of  that  year,  a 
second  revival  was  enjoyed  in  the  settlement  under  the 
labors  of  Messrs.  Parker  and  Benjamin  Miller  who 
were  now  licentiates  of  the  Abington  Church,  not  so 
extensive,  however,  as  the  former,  yet  resulting  in 
much  good  to  the  cause  and  community.  A  number  of 
the  recent  converts  were  baptized  by  Rev.  John  Miller, 
of  Abington,  and  received  as  members  of  this  branch. 


250  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

It  was  now  thought  best  to  organize  as  an  indepen- 
dent church.  Accordingly  a  council  of  recognition, 
composed  of  delegates  from  neighboring  churches,  was 
convened  June  15th,  1853,  in  the  "  Olmstead  School 
House,"  when  fifty  brethren  and  sisters  presented 
themselves  with  letters  of  dismission  from  the  Abing- 
ton  Church  and  received  fellowship  as  the  "  Mt.  Bethel 
Baptist  Church."  When  they  united  with  the  Associa- 
tion in  the  following  Autumn,  they  report  one  received 
by  letter  and  51  as  their  total  membership. 

Messrs.  Parker  and  Benjamin  Miller  continued  to 
supply  this  infant  church  with  general  acceptance. 
No  especial  changes,  however,  marked  its  course  or 
marred  its  history  until  the  year  1855,  when  Mr. 
Charles  Parker  was  ordained  as  pastor  of  the  church 
by  a  council  of  brethren  convened  for  that  purpose. 
He  has  continued  to  serve  the  cause  in  that  relation 
until  the  present  time.  Under  his  labors  the  church 
has  received  some  accessions  to  its  membership  by  bap- 
tism, and  continued  to  enjoy  comparative  peace  and 
prosperity.  A  Sabbath  School  has  been  sustained  in 
the  neighborhood  since  the  Spring  of  1854,  during  the 
Summer  seasons,  exerting,  it  is  hoped,  a  happy  influ- 
ence on  the  rising  generation.  Other  benevolent  ob- 
jects of  Christian  effort,  have,  however,  received  but 
little  aid  or  attention,  partly,  it  is  presumed,  on  ac- 
count of  the  youth  and  inexperience  of  most  of  the 
members.  They  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association 
in  1856,  that  they  cannot  report  that  degree  of  pros- 
perity and  progress  they  could  desire,  yet  the  tender- 
ness manifested  in  their  meetings,  and  interest  in  the 
services,  encourage  them  to  hope  that  divine  influences 


MOUNT   BETHEL   CHURCH.  251 

have  not  been  entirely  withdrawn.  They  also  report 
in  their  letter  to  the  Association  in  1857,  fifty-three  as 
their  total  membership  and  say  that  their  present  con- 
dition is  not  very  encouraging  and  they  would  cry, 
"  Oh  that  we  knew  where  we  might  find  Him,  that  we 
might  come  even  to  His  seat."  Such  has  been  the 
brief  and  uniform  course  of  this  infant  church. 


252  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

HOLLISTERVILLE    CHURCH. 

Rev.  Newell  Callender,  of  Blakely,  visited  Hollister- 
ville,  Wayne  county,  Pennsylvania,  January  1st,  1854, 
and  preached  on  the  evening  of  that  day  to  a  small 
audience  convened  in  the  school  house.  He  came  again 
on  the  20th  of  the  same  month  and  commenced  a  series 
of  meetings  in  the  Protestant  Methodist  meeting  house 
procured  for  that  purpose.  He  picked  his  fuel  and 
purchased  his  candles  to  warm  and  light  the  house. 
There  was  no  one  sufficiently  interested  to  stand  by 
him  and  stay  up  his  hands,  no  Baptists  living  in  the 
village  except  two  sisters.  He,  however,  was  not  en- 
tirely discouraged,  but  continued  to  pray  and  preach, 
and  also  to  visit  from  house  to  house,  conversing  with 
such  as  he  chance  to  meet  at  their  fire-sides  or  in  their 
daily  business.  The  fire  soon  began  to  burn  and  the 
ice  to  melt.  During  his  absence  on  a  visit  to  his  home, 
some  three  or  four  persons  turned  out  with  a  team  and 
procured  a  quantity  of  wood ;  candles  were  also  provi- 
ded, and  on  his  return  the  house  was  well  warmed  and 
lighted  without  further  difficulty.  After  the  meetings 
were  resumed,  the  house  was  soon  filled  with  attentive 
listeners  who  flocked  in  from  all  quarters.  Rev.  0.  L. 
Hall,  of  Blakely,  now  came  to  the  aid  of  Mr.  Callender, 
and  ministers  of  other  denominations  occasionally  at- 
tended the  meetings  and  took  part  in  the  exercises. 
The  opposition  at  first  manifested,  began  to  subside, 
and  sinners  to  inquire  "what  shall  I  do  to  be  saved?" 
The  work  thus  commenced,  continued  to  increase  in 
power  and  extent,  reaching  in  its  progress  almost  all 
classes  and  conditions  from  early  youth  to  hoary  age, 


HOLLLSTERVILLE     CHURCH,  253 

heads  of  families  and  some  whole  households.  It  is 
estimated  that  not  less  than  one  hundred  persons  were 
hopefully  converted  in  the  vicinity  during  the  meetings. 
On  the  12th  of  February,  Mr.  Hall  baptized  five  on 
•a  profession  of  faith ;  these  with  seven  other  baptized 
believers  residing;  in  the  vicinity,  organized  as  an  inde- 
pendent  church  and  were  recognized  as  such,  March 
1st,  1854,  by  a  council  convened  for  that  purpose.. 
The  services  were  of  a  deeply  interesting  character. 
On  the  morning  of  the  following  day  six  young  men, 
some  of  them  heads  of  families,  related  their  experience 
before  the  church  and  were  "  buried  with  Christ  in 
baptism. 

Rev.  0.  L.  Hall  was  immediately  chosen  pastor  of 
this  promising  church  and  entered  on  the  duties  of  that 
relation  in  April  following.  His  labors  were  greatly 
blessed  and  valuable  accessions  were  made  to  the 
church.  Mr.  Charles  E.  Hall  was  appointed  clerk  of 
the  church,  and  Messrs.  James  Waite  and  William  Pot- 
ter were  chosen  Deacons.  When  the  church  united 
with  the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of  1854,  they  re- 
port twenty-eight  received  by  baptism  and  4G  as  their 
total  membership — nearly  quadrupling  their  numbers 
since  their  recognition.  They  also  say  in  their  letter 
that  "they  enjoy  stated  preaching  and  sustain  a  Bible 
Class,  and  three  weekly  prayer  meetings.  Their  con- 
gregations are  large  and  prospects  bright.  They  have 
commenced  building  a  convenient  house  of  worship 
which  they  hope  to  complete  in  a  few  months." 
Through  the  efforts  of  the  pastor  and  liberality  of  the 
members  and  sympathizing  friends,  their  meeting  house 
was  finished  at  a  cost  of  about  §1800,  and  dedicated  to 
22 


254  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

the  worship  of  God  on  the  6th  of  June,  1855,  with  ap- 
propriate religious  services. 

The  Association  met  with  them  in  the  Autumn  of 
that  year  and  was  hospitably  entertained.  The  meet- 
ings were  well  attended  and  diffused  a  healthful  and 
happy  influence.  During  the  session  Messrs.  Waite 
and  Potter  were  ordained  as  Deacons  of  the  church. 
The  occasion  was  one  of  much  interest.  Early  in  the 
following  Spring,  a  Sabbath  School  was  organized  with 
about  forty  scholars  and  teachers.  The  prospects  of 
the  school  were  encouraging. 

The  church  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association  in 
1856,  that  no  especial  changes  have  marked  their 
course  during  the  year ;  Sabbath  services  are  statedly 
held  with  increasing  interest ;  prejudice  has  yielded  to 
the  power  of  truth,  and  opposition  to  the  influence  of 
kindness.  They  sustain  two  weekly  prayer  meetings, 
a  Bible  Class  and  Sabbath  School.  At  times  clouds  and 
darkness  have  gathered  round  but  have  soon  broken 
and  dispersed. 

They  report  to  the  Association  in  1857,  40  as  their 
total  membership.  In  October  following  their  pastor, 
Rev.  O.  L.  Hall,  resigned  his  charge,  retired  from  the 
field,  and  removed  beyond  the  bounds  of  the  Associa- 
tion. The  church  continued  to  sustain  stated  worship 
and  to  enjoy  occasional  preaching.  They  are  anxious 
to  settle  a  faithful  and  efficient  pastor.  There  are  few 
fields  that  have  been  more  productive  and  prosperous. 


SALEM   CHURCH.  255 

SALEM   CHURCH. 

This  church  is  located  in  Salem,  Wayne  county, 
Pennsylvania,  at  the  "  Jones  Settlement."  The  place 
takes  its  name  from  Mr.  Asa  Jones,  one  of  the  pioneer 
settlers.  He  emigrated  from  Connecticut,  and  settled 
with  his  family  at  this  place  in  the  Spring  of  1303. 
He  and  his  wife  were  both  Baptists  and  became  mem- 
bers of  the  Palmyra  Church,  of  which  he  was  subse- 
quently elected  a  Deacon,  and  continued  to  serve  the 
cause  with  general  acceptance  in  that  capacity  until  his 
decease.  His  fervor  and  faithfulness  are  still  held  in 
affectionate  and  grateful  remembrance.  Though  living 
some  seven  miles  from  the  usual  place  of  meeting,  yet 
he  was  punctual  in  his  attendance  on  the  public  and 
private  gatherings  of  the  church,  It  is  related  that  he 
was  accustomed  to  come  and  return  through  the  dense 
and  dangerous  forest  on  foot,  and  frequently  alone 
protected  by  his  faithful  dog  and  trusty  rifle. 

Rev.  Win.  Purdy,  of  Palmyra,  was  accustomed  to 
preach  occasionally  at  "  Jones  Settlement."  Under 
his  labors  a  number  of  persons  made  a  public  profession 
of  religion  and  united  with  the  church  of  which  he  was 
long  the  esteemed  pastor.  Subsequent  pastors  of  the 
Palmyra  Church  preached  occasionally  at  the  "  Jones 
Settlement,"  and  baptized  a  few  converts.  Thus  mat- 
ters continued  in  the  settlement  during  a  half  century. 
In  the  Spring  of  1853,  Rev.  Sanford  Leach,  pastor  of 
Palmyra  and  other  churches,  visited  "  Jones  Settle- 
ment," and  commenced  preaching  alternately  at  this 
place  and  at  "  Sand  Pond"  as  a  regular  supply.  In 
the  following  Winter  he  held  a  series  of  meetings   of 


25b'  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES, 

about  three  weeks,  at  these  stations,  resulting  in  great 
and  lasting  good  to  the  cause  and  community.  Back- 
sliders were  reclaimed  and  sinners  converted,  a  num- 
ber of  whom  were  baptized  on  a  profession  of  faith  and 
admitted  as  members  of  Palmyra  Church.  The  breth- 
ren and  sisters  residing  in  "Jones  Settlement"  and 
vicinity,  having  taken  letters  of  dismission  from  the 
church  of  which  they  were  members,  held  a  meeting  at 
the  house  of  Mr.  Joel  Jones,  March  5th,  1854,  and  or- 
ganized as  an  independent  church  with  the  usual  Arti- 
cles of  Faith  and  Covenant.  A  council  of  recognition 
was  convened  in  the  "  Stone  School  House"  on  the  14th 
of  the  same  month,  Rev.  Zelotes  Grenell  acting  as 
moderator,  and  Rev.  J.  R.  Ross  as  clerk.  Nineteen 
brethren  and  sisters  presented  themselves  and  received 
fellowship  as  the  Salem  Baptist  Church.  "The  exer- 
cises," according  to  the  record,  "  were  conducted  in  a 
manner  worthy  of  the  occasion." 

The  church  united  with  the  Association  in  the  fol- 
lowing Autumn,  when  they  report  two  added  by  bap- 
tism and  say  their  covenant  meetings  are  interesting 
and  usually  well  attended.  They  are  about  to  secure 
the  services  of  Rev.  Orange  L.  Hall  as  a  supply.  They 
also  say  in  their  letter  to  the  Association  in  1855,  that 
they  mourn  their  want  of  zeal  in  the  Master's  cause, 
but  are  not  entirely  discouraged.  They  enjoy  the  labors 
of  Mr.  Hall  one-half  of  the  time  ;  their  congregations 
are  comparatively  large  and  attentive.  They  have 
done  something  for  various  objects  of  Christian  benevo- 
lence and  have  it  in  their  hearts  to  do  more.  In  1856, 
they  report  a  similar  state  of  things  and  add  that  they 
"are united,  and  sustain  a   prayer  meeting."     About 


SALEM   CHURCH.  257 

this  time  they  were  left  without  stated  preaching,  but 
continued  to  sustain  public  worship  on  the  Sabbath. 
They  report  to  the  Association  in  1857,  21  as  their 
total  membership,  and  say  in  their  letter  that  no  esj^e- 
cial  change  has  marked  their  course.  They  are  still 
few  and  feeble,  but  not  entirely  faithless  or  faltering. 
Their  prayer  and  covenant  meetings  are  usually  well 
attended. 


ZOO  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

ALDENVILLE  CHURCH. 

For  a  number  of  years  previous  to  the  constitution 
of  this  church,  Aldenvillle,  Wayne  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, had  been  occupied  as  an  out-station  by  the 
pastors  of  Bethany,  Clinton  and  Honesdale  churches. 
The  labors,  however,  of  Rev.  Henry  Curtis,  who  lived 
in  the  vicinity,  were  most  abundant  and  protracted. 
A  Sabbath  School  had,  also,  been  established  in  the 
place  and  sustained  most  of  the  time.  There  were  a 
number  of  Baptists,  members  of  the  above  churches, 
residing  in  the  village  and  vicinity,  but  deprived  of  the 
salutary  influence  of  church  organization,  they  were 
comparatively  weak  and  had  become  nearly  disheart- 
ened. Prayer  meetings  were  sometimes  commenced, 
but  after  a  brief  existence,  were  invariably  terminated 
by  cruel  neglect.  The  spiritual  wants  of  a  rapidly 
increasing  population  were  but  partially  supplied. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1855,  Rev.  Newell  Callen- 
der,  pastor  of  Palmyra  Church,  visited  the  place  by 
request  and  commenced  a  series  of  meetings,  in  connec- 
tion with  the  pastor  of  Clinton  Church.  The  presence 
and  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  were  soon  apparent. 
The  members  were  aroused  and  revived,  and  a  number 
of  the  impenitent  were  convinced  of  sin  and  hopefully 
converted  to  the  Saviour.  It  was  not  long  before 
some  of  the  converts  made  a  public  profession  of  re- 
ligion by  submitting  to  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  most 
of  whom  united  with  the  Clinton  Church. 

In  the  Spring  of  that  year  it  was  deemed  advisable 
by  a  majority  of  the  members  residing  in  the  place,  to 
organize  as   an  independent  church,      Accordingly  a 


ALDENVILLE    CHURCH.  259 

council  of  recognition  was  convened  in  the  school  house 
at  Aldenville,  March  1st,  1855,  Rev.  Zelotes  Grenell 
acting  as  moderator  and  E.  L.  Bailey  as  clerk.  Six- 
teen brethren  and  sisters  presented  themselves  with 
their  letters,  Articles  of  Faith  and  Covenant,  and  re- 
ceived fellowship  as  the  "  Regular  Baptist  Church  of 
Aldenville,"  by  appropriate  and  impressive  religious 
services. 

The  pastoral  labors  of  Mr.  Callender  were  secured 
for  one-half  of  the  time,  commencing  in  April  of  that 
year.  When  the  church  united  with  the  Association  in 
the  following  Autumn,  they  report  13  received  by  bap- 
tism and  81  as  their  total  membership,  and  say  in  their 
letter  that  they  have  been  deprived  of  the  labors  of 
their  pastor  during  the  past  Summer  by  protracted 
sickness,  and  mourn  the  loss  of  a  worthy  sister  by 
death.  They  have  sustained  two  weekly  prayer  meet- 
ings, and  commenced  building  a  house  of  worship, 
thirty  by  forty-two  feet ;  the  frame  is  up  and  will 
probably  be  enclosed,  and  the  house  completed  the 
present  year. 

In  February,  1856,  Mr.  Callender  resigned  his  charge 
of  the  church  and  retired  from  the  field.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Rev.  Henry  Curtis,  as  pastor  of  the  church. 
Their  house  of  worship,  located  on  a  pleasant  site  dona- 
ted by  Mr.  L.  H.  Alden,  was  completed  and  dedicated 
to  the  worship  of  God  on  the  9th  of  July  of  that  year 
by  appropriate  religious  service.  Through  the  enter- 
prise of  Mr.  H.  P.  Haight  and  others,  it  has  since 
been  furnished  with  a  suitable  bell.  The  house  erect- 
ed at  a  cost  of  about  $1500,  is  a  tasty  and  substantial 
structure— i»a  monument  to  the  zeal  and  liberality  of 
the  members  and  communitv. 


260  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

Mr.  Curtis  closed  his  stated  labors  with  the  church 
in  January,  1857,  being  disabled  by  a  sad  and  serious 
affliction.  During  the  few  subsequent  months,  the 
church  was  supplied  occasionally  by  Mr.  B.  B.  Bunt- 
ing, who  had  previously  been  licensed  to  preach  the 
Gospel.  In  the  following  April,  the  services  of  Mr. 
D.  W.  Halsted  were  secured  as  a  supply ;  he  was  or- 
dained as  pastor  of  the  church  on  the  23d  of  July 
following.  They  report  to  the  Association  in  the  Fall 
of  1857,  twenty-nine  as  their  total  membership,  and 
say  that  they  enjoy  a  good  degree  of  union  and  har- 
mony. They  maintain  a  weekly  prayer  meeting  and 
hope  soon  to  hear  sinners  inquiring  what  they  shall  do 
to  be  saved. 


ABINGTON    VALLEY    CHURCH.  261 

ABINGTON  VALLEY  CHURCH. 

A  large  proportion  of  the  early  population  of  Abing- 
ton,  entertained  Baptist  principles.  These  principles 
have  assumed  various  forms  at  different  times  and 
places.  The  Regular  Baptists,  however,  have  uni- 
formly been  the  most  numerous  and  influential.  The 
Old  School  flourished  for  a  season  and  the  Free  Will 
have  been  at  times  quite  numerous ;  the  Seven  Day 
have  also  had  some  adherents,  and  the  Six  Principle  have 
been  comparatively  prosperous.  A  church  of  the  last 
named  order  was  organized  at  an  early  day  at  Bailey 
Hollow,  in  Abington,  Luzerne  county,  where  they  have 
a  convenient  "  Bethel"  and  hold  stated  meetings  for 
religious  worship.  A  majority  of  the  members  in  this 
church,  were  furious  for  moderation.  They  were  op- 
posed to  Missionary  efforts,  Bible  Societies,  Sabbath 
Schools,  Choir  Singing,  and  most  of  the  reformatory 
measures  and  movements  of  the  present  day.  The 
minority  in  this  church  holding  other  views,  frequently 
attempted  to  overcome  this  opposition  and  initiate  social 
and  religious  reforms,  but  were  as  frequently  frustrated 
in  their  plans  and  foiled  in  their  purposes.  At  length, 
becoming  wearied  and  wasted,  they  retired  from  the 
unequal  conflict  and  resolved  to  establish  an  indepen- 
dent interest  on  more  rational  views  and  progressive 
principles.  Accordingly  a  meeting  was  held  to  delibe- 
rate on  their  present  condition  and  decide  on  their 
future  course.  They  deliberated  with  much  care  and 
decided  with  great  caution.  The  meeting  was  ad- 
journed from  time  to  time  in  order  to  give  sufficient 
opportunity  for  deliberate  consideration.     They  finally 


262  HISTORICAL     SKETCHES. 

concluded  to  organise  as  a  Regular  Baptist  church  and 
call  a  council  of  recognition,  At  their  invitation  a 
council  of  brethren  from  First  Abington,  West  Abing- 
ton,  Benton,  Blakely,  Clinton,  Greenfield,  Newton  and 
Mt.  Bethel  churches,  was  convened  at  Bailey  Hollow, 
on  the  28th  of  February,  1856.  Rev.  Henry  Curtis 
officiated  as  moderator,  and  Rev.  J.  B.  Kenyon  acted 
as  clerk  of  the  council.  Twenty-three  persons,  twelve 
males  and  eleven  females  having  presented  themselves 
and  submitted  their  Articles  of  Faith  and  church  Cove- 
nant, were  recognized  by  the  council  as  the  Abington 
Valley  Church  by  the  following  order  of  religious  ser- 
vices, viz.,  Rev.  Wm.  K.  Mott  preached  a  sermon  from 
Eph.  4 :  15,  16  ;  Rev.  Wm.  A.  Miller  extended  the 
hand  of  fellowship ;  Rev.  John  Miller  addressed  the 
church,  and  Rev.  Benjamin  Miller  offered  the  conclud- 
ing prayer.  The  entire  exercises  were  of  an  interest- 
ing character. 

The  church  was  supplied  with  stated  preaching  for 
some  months  after  its  recognition  by  Mr.  Mott,  pastor 
of  the  Hyde  Park  Church.  His  labors  were  of  essen- 
tial service  to  this  young  but  promising  interest.  The 
church  was  now  left  without  a  stated  supply,  but  was 
encouraged  from  time  to  time  by  the  presence  and 
preaching  of  neighboring  ministers.  The  church  was 
admitted  into  the  Association  in  the  following  Autumn, 
with  its  membership  unchanged  and  harmony  unim- 
paired. They  were  then  anxious  to  secure  the  pas- 
toral services  of  a  minister  who  would  faithfully  preach 
the  Gospel  and  fearlessly  rebuke  sin  in  all  its  forms. 
But  they  did  not  succeed  in  settling  a  pastor.  The 
services,  however,   of  Rev,   Charles  Parker,  were  en- 


ABINGTON    VALLEY   CHURCH.  263 

gaged  as  a  stated  supply.  Monthly  covenant  meetings 
were  regularly  held  and  communion  seasons  enjoyed. 
The  services  of  Mr.  Parker  were  continued  until  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  Association  in  the  Autumn  of 
1857,  when  they  report  22  as  their  total  membership, 
and  also  say  in  their  letter  that  they  have  engaged  the 
services  of  Rev.  T.  J.  Cole  as  the  first  pastor  of  the 
church,  and  expect  him  to  enter  on  the  duties  of  the 
office  about  the  first  of  October  following — his  labors 
to  be  shared  with  the  Benton  Church. 

The  church  have  a  convenient  house  of  worship. 
Most  of  the  members  being  stockholders  in  the  Bethel 
meeting  house  in  Bailey  Hollow,  owned  and  occupied  a 
portion  of  the  time  by  the  Six  Principle  Baptists,  en= 
deavorecl  to  get  the  privilege  of  holding  occasional 
meetings  in  it  when  unoccupied,  but  not  finding  it 
"  agreeable"  to  do  so,  they  ceased  their  solicitations 
and  concluded  to  make  an  effort  to  build  a  house  of 
their  own.  At  a  meeting  held  September  18th,  1856, 
they  decided  to  build,  and  appointed  a  committee  to 
solicit  material  aid.  A  suitable  lot  was  generously 
donated  by  a  gentleman  living  in  the  place,  but  not  a 
professor  of  religion,  and  a  sufficient  amount  was  pledg- 
ed within  a  month  to  build  a  plain  but  covenient  house 
of  worship.  No  other  mechanic  being  willing  to  build 
the  house  for  the  sum  offered,  Dea.  H.  J.  Colvin  took 
the  contract  for  the  amount  subscribed.  He  carried 
forward  the  work  during  the  inclemency  of  the  follow- 
ing Winter,  with  his  characteristic  industry  and  perse- 
verance. In  the  meantime  the  ladies  of  the  church 
and  congregation,  organized  a  Sewing  Circle  which  met 
weekly  for  the  purpose  of  raising  means  to  furnish  the 


264  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

house  when  completed.  A  bell  was  procured,  the 
house  finished,  furnished  and  dedicated,  April  30th, 
1857,  with  suitable  services.  It  is  36  by  50  feet  on  the 
ground,  erected  at  a  cost  of  $1600,  and  pleasantly 
situated  in  a  delightful  valley. 


PRESTON    CENTRE    CHURCH.  265 


PRESTON  CENTRE  CHURCH. 

A  few  members  of  the  Scott  Church  were  living  in 
Preston,  Wayne  county,  Pennsylvania,  at  some  distance 
from  the  more  central  place  of  holding  meetings.  They 
had  for  some  years  acted  as  a  branch  of  that  church 
and  enjoyed  the  ordinances  of  the  Supper  and  baptism 
at  their  place  and  pleasure. 

They,  however,  on  account  of  their  isolated  position, 
finally  decided  to  organize  as  a  "distinct  church." 
Accordingly  a  council  of  brethren  from  neighboring 
churches  in  the  Abington  and  Bridgewater  Associations, 
was  convened  at  Preston  Centre,  April  14th,  1858,  to 
render  advice  and  give  them  fellowship  as  a  Gospel 
church.  Twenty  brethren  and  sisters  presented  them- 
selves to  the  council  and  were  duly  recognized  as  "  the 
Preston  Centre  Baptist  Church." 

When  this  church  was  admitted  into  the  Association 
in  the  following  Autumn,  they  reported  four  additions 
and  24  communicants.  They  also  say  in  their  letter, 
"  We  have  secured  the  pastoral  services  of  Rev.  Rial 
Tower,  one-fourth  of  the  time,  and  we  are  trying  to 
maintain  the  worship  of  God  among  us.  The  faithful 
labors  of  Mr.  Tower  have  been  graciously  owned  and 
greatly  blessed.  We  have  a  large  Sabbath  School  and 
ample  library. 

Mr.  Tower  continued  to  labor  for  them  a  portion  of 
the  time,  during  the  two  following  years.  In  the  Fall 
of  1859,  they  reported  to  the  Association  two  baptisms 
and  26  communicants.  They  had  licensed  Mr.  Samuel 
W.  Lloyd  to  exercise  his  gift  in  preaching  and  had  also 
passed  through  some  severe  trials.  They,  however, 
23 


266  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES'. 

were  not  disheartened,  but  hoped  for  brighter  and  bet- 
ter days.  In  1860,  they  complained  of  discord  and 
coldness.  Nor  was  there  much  improvement  during 
1861,  but  the  same  state  of  things  continued  causing 
them  to  lament  their  condition  and  long  for  a.  return 
of  Christian  love  and  revival  influences.  Mr.  William 
N.,  son  of  Rev.  Rial  Tower,  and  licentiate  of  the 
Lenox  Church,  now  supplied  them,  dividing  his  time  be- 
tween this  and  the  Scott  Church.  In  1862,  Mr.  Tower 
was  still  preaching  for  these  two  churches,  now  as  an 
ordained  minister.  At  the  recent  meeting  of  the  Asso- 
ciation held  at  Bethany,  they  report  23  communicants, 
and  say  in  their  letter,  "  We  have  had  no  preaching  for 
the  past  year.  Our  covenant  meetings  are  poorly  at- 
tended. We  have  tried  to  sustain  a  Sabbath  prayer 
meeting  and  have  a  small  Sunday  School  on  the  union 
plan.  We  have  secured  for  the  coming  year  the  labors 
of  Rev.  E.  C.  Cook  each  alternate  Sabbath," 


BARKYVILLE   AND    SHOIIOLA    CHURCH.  267 

BARRYVILLE  AND  SHOHOLA  CHURCH. 

The  name,  perhaps,  of  this  church,  will  sufficiently 
indicate  its  location.  It  may,  however,  be  added  that 
Barry ville  and  Shohola  are  situated  some  miles  east  of 
the  Delaware  river  in  Sullivan  county,  N.  Y.  The 
church  at  this  place  was  gathered  and  organized  under 
the  zealous  labors  of  Rev.  E.  A.  Francis,  whose  efforts 
have  been  attended  with  much  success  in  various  por- 
tions of  this  Association.  He  held  a  series  of  meetings 
at  Barryville  in  the  Winter  of  1858-9,  resulting  in  the 
hopeful  conversion  of  many  of  the  impenitent.  The 
church  in  this  place  was  recognized  by  appropriate  re- 
ligious services  on  the  7th  of  February,  1859,  with  21 
constituent  members,  five  of  whom  had  been  baptized 
on  the  previous  day,  the  remaining  16  bearing  letters  of 
commendation. 

Thus  the  foundation  of  this  church  was  laid  but  the 
work  did  not  cease.  The  sound  of  the  axe  was  heard 
in  the  forest  and  its  echo  on  the  hills.  The  walls  were 
slowly  rising  and  the  building  was  gradually  approach- 
ing completion.  By  the  10th  of  November  following, 
Mr.  Francis  had  baptized  39  persons  on  a  profession  of 
faith,  into  the  fellowship  of  the  church.  Rev.  James  L. 
Bennett  now  accepted  the  pastoral  charge  and  contin- 
ued to  aid  on  the  work.  When  the  church  united  with 
the  Associotion  in  the  Autumn  of  1860,  they  reported 
61  communicants.  "  Our  course  during  the  past  year," 
they  say  in  their  letter,  "  has  been  gradually  and  gra- 
ciously onward,  occasional  conversions  and  baptismal 
seasons  cheering  and  encouraging  our  hearts.  We 
have  been  enabled  to  complete  a  convenient  and  com- 


268  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

inodious  meeting  house  which  was  dedicated  to  the  wor- 
ship of  God  on  the  15th  of  March  last." 

The  following  year  was  marked  by  trials  and  declen- 
sion. Some  members  had  removed  to  distant  places, 
and  others  neglected  the  stated  meetings  of  the  church. 
They  were  also  afflicted  by  internal  dissentions,  and 
assailed  by  outward  opposition  arising  from  sectarian 
prejudice.  The  pastor,  however,  continued  to  labor 
with  uniform  earnestness  and  faithfulness  until  the  fol- 
lowing Spring,  when  he  resigned  his  charge  and  retired 
from  the  field.  In  May,  1861,  Rev.  C.  A.  Skinner 
became  pastor  of  the  church  and  labored  with  marked 
zeal  and  success.  Under  his  judicious  efforts  the  Sab- 
bath School  was  re-organized,  the  congregations  were 
increased  and  unity  of  feeling  and  action  was  restored 
in  the  church.  They  reported  to  the  Association  in 
the  Fall  of  this  year,  six  baptisms  and  71  communi- 
cants. 

In  1862,  Mr.  Bennett  is  again  reported  as  pastor  of 
the  church,  dividing  his  time  perhaps  between  this  and 
the  Ten  Mile  River  Church.  They  reported  in  the 
Autumn  of  this  year  63  as  their  total  membership. 
At  the  recent  Anniversary  of  the  Association,  held  at 
Bethany,  they  report  six  baptisms  and  68  communi- 
cants, and  say  in  their  letter  that  "  during  the  months 
of  January  and  February  last,  we  enjoyed  the  labors 
of  Rev.  E.  A.  Francis  in  a  protracted  effort,  in  con- 
nection with  those  of  our  then  pastor,  Rev.  J.  L.  Ben- 
nett, resulting  in  the  addition  of  six  to  us  by  baptism. 
Rev.  James  R.  Remsen  is  our  present  pastor." 


SCKANTON    CHURCH.  269 


SCRANTON  CHURCH. 

The  public  recognition  of  this  church  took  place  in 
the  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  August  24th,  1859.  The 
council  convened  upon  the  occasion  was  composed  of 
ministers  and  messengers  from  different  churches  in 
the  Association.  The  following  brethren  officiated  in 
the  public  exercises  of  recognition,  Revs.  C.  A.  Fox, 
Thomas  J.  Cole,  E.  L.  Bailey  and  L.  0.  Grenell. 
Rev.  Isaac  Bevan,  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Baptist  Convention,  was  present  by  re- 
quest of  the  church  and  preached  the  sermon.  Twen- 
ty-five brethren  and  sisters  had  on  the  preceding  week 
organized  themselves  into  a  church  by  unanimous  reso- 
lution, and  by  adopting  Articles  of  Faith  and  a  church 
Covenant.  Nearly  all  these  brethren  and  sisters  pre- 
sented letters  of  dismission  from  the  church  in  Hyde 
Park,  of  which  Rev.  Wm.  K.  Mott  was  pastor. 

Some  brethren  who  had  been  deeply  interested  in 
the  advancement  of  the  cause  of  Christ  in  our  own  de- 
nomination had  felt  anxious  for  several  years  that  such 
a  movement  should  be  made  in  Scranton.  The  Welsh 
brethren  had  organized  as  a  church  some  years  previ- 
ous, and  erected  a  house  of  worship.  Under  the  labors 
of  Rev.  J.  A.  James  they  had  enjoyed  considerable  pros- 
perity. He  had  resigned  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 
Theopilus  Jones,  who  counseled  and  urged  the  Ameri- 
can brethren  to  organize.  Ofher  brethren  had  also 
taken  some  pains  to  bring  about  the  same  desirable 
result. 

After  the  church  was  organized,  the  Odd  Fellows' 
Hall  was  rented  for  its  exclusive  use  on  the  Sabbath. 


270  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES. 

A  Sabbath  School  was  successfully  gathered,  which 
has  continued  with  considerable  encouragement.  Rev. 
Theopilus  Jones  preached  for  the  church  on  Sabbath 
evenings  for  two  months  with  much  acceptance.  He 
performed  this  labor  in  addition  to  preaching  two  ser- 
mons in  Welsh  every  Sabbath. 

With  the  advice  of  neighboring  brethren  in  the  min- 
istry, the  church  gave  Rev.  Isaac  Bevan  a  call  to  the 
pastorate.  In  doing  this  they  expected  to  receive  aid 
from  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission  Society, 
to  the  amount  of  $300  at  least,  as  the  Pennsylvania 
Baptist  Convention  could  not  at  that  time  give  them 
any  assistance.  The  Board  of  the  Home  Mission 
Society,  when  the  application  came  before  them,  felt 
compelled  to  decline  an  appropriation.  This  was  after 
Mr.  Bevan  had  settled  with  the  church  and  been  in  the 
field  two  months.  The  church  had  agreed  to  pay  him 
$250  a  year.  When  the  decision  of  the  Home  Mission 
Board  was  received,  the  brethren,  encouraged  by  the 
liberality  of  members  of  the  congregation  and  some 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  at  once  agreed  to 
pay  their  pastor  $500  a  year,  which  they  succeeded  in 
doing.  When  the  pastor  settled  with  them  November 
1st,  there  were  23  members,  two  having  taken  letters 
and  removed  to  another  place.  From  that  time  to  the 
present  (October  15th,  1863,)  the  church  has  enjoyed 
uniform  peace  and  a  gratifying  degree  of  prosperity. 
It  has  received  by  baptism  50,  by  experience  eight, 
by  letter  71,  making  with  the  original  number  154, 
There  have  been  dismissed  by  letter  23,  dropped  four? 
excluded  three,  died  one,  leaving  123  as  their  present 
total  membership, 


riCRANTON   CHURCH.  271 

The  first  year  the  church  received  some  aid  from  a 
few  churches  in  the  Association.  With  that  exception 
it  has  been  self-sustaining.  For  more  than  a  year  it 
occupied  the  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  and  since  that  the 
Washington  Hall.  In  the  Winter  and  Spring  of  1863 
meetings  were  held  every  evening  for  nearly  three 
months,  which  were  greatly  blessed  to  the  reviving  of 
the  church  and  conversion  of  souls.  As  the  fruit  of 
these  meetings  a  few  backsliders  were  reclaimed,  and 
35  added  by  baptism.  The  pastor  received  valuable 
aid  from  Revs.  C.  A.  Fox  and  D.  W.  Halsted.  The 
great  want  of  the  church  at  present  is  a  house  of 
worship,  which  they  hope  soon  to  be  able  to  build. 
The  pastor  and  church  have  been  happily  united  in  all 
their  labors,  and  especially  so  in  regard  to  the  state  of 
the  country  during  the  present  war.  With  scarcely  a 
single  exception  they  have  been  decidedly  and  devotedly 
loyal.  Seven  of  the  brethren  entered  the  army  ;  four 
of  these  have  been  honorably  discharged  after  faith- 
fully serving  their  country.  Three  are  still  in  the 
service. 

The  following  brethren  are  the  esteemed  Deacons  of 
this  church,  viz.,  Messrs.  Lewis  Lewis,  Nathaniel  Hal- 
sted and  Reuben  A.  Henry.  The  last  two  formerly 
occupied  the  same  position  in  the  Hyde  Park  Church. 


BIOGRAPHICAL    NOTICES 
OF  THE  PIONEER  MINISTERS. 


These  pioneers  have  long  since  passed  away,  as  we 
fondly  hope,  to  their  grateful  rest  and  gracious  reward, 
but  not  until  they  had  aided  in  laying  a  firm  foundation 
for  a  stately  structure  and  setting  in  motion  influences 
that  must  continue  to  extend  and  expand  through  all 
coming  time.  While  they  served  their  own  generation 
by  the  will  of  God,  they  also  suffered  and  sacrificed  for 
the  future  good  and  growth  of  the  cause  and  kingdom 
of  Christ.  They  felled  the  forest  and  fallowed  the 
field  ;  they  stirred  the  soil  and  scattered  the  seed.  It 
remains  for  us  who  have  entered  into  their  labors,  to 
carry  on  the  work  they  commenced,  and  prize  and  per- 
petuate the  influence  they  exerted.  It  is  ours  still  to 
plant  and  prune,  to  water  and  weed  the  growing  crop, 
and  gather  and  garner  the  golden  harvest. 

Their  lot  was  cast  in  primitive  times,  possessing  pecu- 
liar necessities  and  demanding  corresponding  qualifica- 
tions. The  country  was  newly  settled  and  the  popula- 
tion widely  scattered.  The  people  were  generally 
simple  in  their  social  habits,  and  necessarily  subject  to 
serious  privations  and  hardships.  With  little  time  for 
literary  culture,  they  had  less  taste  for  mere  glitter  of 


274  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

style  or  grace  of  composition.  Nevertheless,  they 
could  appreciate  rich  truths  clothed  in  rude  language, 
preferring  the  Gospel  in  the  rough,  with  its  sharp 
angles  and  irregular  sides,  just  as  it  was  raised  from 
the  mine  or  rolled  from  the  mountain.  Their  sensible 
wants  and  wishes  were  best  met  and  supplied  by  a  minis- 
try from  among  themselves,  self-schooled,  self-supporting 
and  self-sacrificing.  It  was  enough  that  they  posessed 
strong  common  sense  and  sound  scriptural  knowledge, 
delivering  their  message  with  fervor  of  feeling  and 
fluency  of  speech  ;  these  were  considered  suitable  quali- 
fications for  their  responsible  work  among  the  pioneer 
population  of  this  comparative  wilderness. 

They  were,  however,  men  of  like  passions  with  our- 
selves ;  doubtless,  errors  and  excellences  mingled  in 
their  creed,  and  beauties  and  blemishes  blended  in  their 
character,  yet  it  may  be  both  pleasant  and  profitable 
for  us  who  are  launched  on  the  same  waves  and 
are  following  in  their  widening  wake,  to  reverently 
pause  and  rationally  pass  in  review  their  eventful 
course,  so  full  of  stirring  incident  and  salutary  instruc- 
tion. Though  dead,  they  yet  speak ;  a  voice  of  caution 
and  encouragement  comes  up  from  their  lowly  graves, 
scattered  among  these  rugged  hills  and  along  these 
rich  valleys ;  now  raised  in  solemn  warning  against  the 
fashionable  follies  and  popular  prejudices  of  the  times ; 
then  again,  it  is  heard  clear  and  calm  above  the  din 
and  dust  of  the  battle-field,  in  tones  of  earnest  encour- 
agement, arousing  and  rallying  the  scattered  and 
scarred  hosts  of  God's  elect,  to  fearlessly  renew  the 
deadly  conflict  and  fiercely  rush  to  the  dreadful  carnage. 
We  pause  to  catch  the  distant,  yet  distinct  sound ;  to 


ITINERANT    MISSIONARIES.  275 

ponder  and  profit  by  the  various  lessons  of  their  valua- 
ble lives  and  labors. 

The  work  on  this  field  was  begun  and  prosecuted 
chiefly*  by  pious  persons  from  among  the  pioneer  popu- 
lation. The  cause  owes  little  to  external  pressure  or 
appliances.  However,  some  aid  from  abroad  was 
graciously  rendered  and  gratefully  received.  During 
the  early  portion  of  the  present  century,  the  Baptists 
of  New  England  considered  North-Eastern  Pennsyl- 
vania as  missionary  ground,  having  some  claim  on  their 
personal  efforts  and  pecuniary  assistance.  Accordingly 
"  The  Massachusetts  Baptist  Missionary  Society"  was 
accustomed  to  employ  itinerant  missionaries  and  send 
them  on  occasional  tours  across  the  State  of  New  York, 
into  this  distant  and  destitute  field. 

In  the  Spring  of  1807,  Rev.  Peter  P.  Roots,  a  mis- 
sionary of  this  Society,  passed  through  North-Eastern 
Pennsylvania,  entering  the  state  at  Great  Bend  on  the 
Susquehanna,  and  leaving  it  at  Milford  on  the  Dela- 
ware. During  his  passage  he  preached  at  Nine  Part- 
ners— now  Harford — Clifford,  Mt.  Pleasant,  Bethany, 
Cherry  Ridge  and  Pur dy town,  near  the  Lackawa  Set- 
tlement. In  December,  1809,  Rev.  Jesse  Hartwell 
and  Rev.  Asa  Todcl,  also  missionaries  of  this  Society, 
after  crossing  the  State  of  New  York,  penetrated  this 
wilderness.  They  spent  a  few  days  at  Bethany  and 
Mt.  Pleasant,  "  preaching,"  as  the  journal  runs,  "to  a 
needy  and  scattered  people." 

In  the  Summer  of  1811,  Rev.  John  Lawton,  a  mis- 
sionary of  the  "  Baptist  Missionary  Convention  of  the 
State  of  New  York,"  also  visited  this  field  and  made  a 
brief  stay  at  Bethany,  preaching  twice  in  the  court 
house  of  that  place. 


276  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

Other  ministers  from  abroad  occasionally  passed 
through  this  wild  region,  visiting  the  various  churches 
and  settlements,  to  comfort  the  hearts  and  confirm  the 
faith  of  these  scattered  disciples,  but  the  brunt  and 
burden  of  evangelizing  this  moral  waste,  were  chiefly 
assumed  and  cheerfully  borne  by  earnest  brethren  from 
among  the  early  settlers. 

Permit  me,  then,  to  direct  your  attention  to  the 
pious  lives  of  these  pioneer  laborers.  Let  us  gather 
around  their  silent  dust  and  scatter  fresh  flowers  on 
their  solitary  graves.  While  we  charitably  shroud 
their  defects  and  carefully  shun  their  derelictions,  let 
us  gratefully  revive  their  many  excellences  and  gra- 
ciously emulate  their  energy  and  earnestness,  their 
piety  and  perseverance. 


PIONEER    PREACHERS.  277 


THE  PIONEER  PREACHERS, 

A  number  of  these  have  already  been  incidently 
named  in  the  preceding  pages.  It  but  remains  to 
briefly  notice  the  lives  and  labors  of  the  three  following 
who  were  among  the  more  prominent  and  persevering. 

REV.    EPAPHRAS   THOMPSON. 

It  will  be  impracticable  to  correctly  trace  the  dawn- 
ing life  or  declining  years  of  the  mysterious  subject  of 
this  imperfect  sketch.  So  far  as  we  can  learn,  he  was 
"  without  beginning  of  days  and  end  of  life."  Burst- 
ing unexpectedly  on  our  view  like  the  comet,  he  delays 
and  dazzles  for  a  brief  period,  and  then  dashes  off  and 
disappears  in  the  dim  distance. 

Epaphras  Thompson  was  born,  as  is  supposed,  in  the 
State  of  Connecticut,  in  about  the  year  1755.  He  was 
a  silversmith  by  trade,  but  was  soon  called  to  quit  the 
quiet  of  his  chosen  avocation  and  enter  on  more  stirring 
scenes.  He  joined  a  company  of  Cavalry,  under  CoL 
Sheldon,  and  participated  in  the  strife  and  struggle  for 
national  independence.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  revo- 
lutionary war  in  1783,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Marga- 
ret Horner,  and  settled  in  Wethersfield,  Hartford 
county,  Connecticut,  where  he  lived  in  a  house  recently 
the  scene  of  an  awful  tragedy,  indicating  a  mind  devoid 
of  groundless  fear  and  superior  to  a  prevalent  super- 
stition.* 

*  On  the  11th  of  December,  1782,  Mr.  Wm.  Beadle,  of  Wethersfield,  knocked 
down  his  wife  and  six  children  with  an  axe,  and  cut  their  throats  witn  a  carv- 
ing knife,  and  then  blew  out  his  own  brains  with  a  pistol.  He  entertained 
deistieal  opinions,  and  at  the  time  of  this  awful  tragedy  was  suffering  from; 
depression  of  mind  occasioned  by  loss  of  property., 

24 


278  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

He  next  moved  with  his  family  to  Bristol  in  the 
same  county,  where  he  settled  as  pastor  of  the  Baptist 
church  composed  of  members  residing  in  the  place  and 
also  at  New  Hartford. 

In  the  Autumn  of  1800,  he  visited  the  Beech  Woods 
in  Pennsylvania,  and  commenced  preaching  at  Mt. 
Pleasant,  Wayne  county ;  in  the  following  year  he 
brought  on  his  family  and  settled  in  the  place.  He 
was  the  first  resident  minister  in  the  township  of  any 
denomination.  The  region  was  wild  and  mountainous ; 
the  population  sparse  and  scattered.  The  traveling 
was  also  difficult  and  dangerous,  and  provisions  scarce 
and  costly.  There  was  little  in  the  condition  or  pros- 
pects of  the  place  to  invite  to  present  service,  or 
promise  future  success.  He,  however,  entered  the 
field  and  commenced  preaching  for  the  Free  Communion 
Baptist  Society,  recently  organized,  with  but  six  com- 
municants. His  labors  were  early  blessed,  and  a  num- 
ber of  the  pioneers  were  hopefully  converted.  Not 
fully  harmonizing  with  some  of  the  leading  members 
on  the  limitations  of  communion,  after  discussing  the 
subject,  a  compromise  was  agreed  upon  and  the  church 
re-organized  with  14  communicants,  of  which  he  became 
a  member  and  the  first  pastor. 

He  now  extended  his  ministerial  labors  to  other  and 
distant  settlements,  scattered  over  a  wide  range  of  this 
wilderness  region.  He  frequently  preached  at  Lackawa 
on  the  Wallenpaupack,  Cochecton  on  the  Delaware, 
Pittston  on  the  Susquehanna,  Thornbottom  on  the 
Tunkhannock,  also  near  the  head  waters  of  the  Wya- 
lusing,  and  at  Elkwoods  and  Nine  Partners  in  what  is 
now   Susquehanna  county.     His  labors  were   greatly 


PIONEER    PREACHERS.  279 

blessed  and  large  numbers  were  hopefully  converted 
and  admitted  into  the  church ;  thus  increasing  its  mem- 
bership until  with  its  branches  it  embraced  upwards  of 
200  communicants.  The  church,  however,  having  fal- 
len back  on  unrestricted  communion,  Mr.  Thompson 
and  seven  others  withdrew  and  constituted  a  Regular 
Baptist  church  in  the  Autumn  of  1807,  and  also  united 
with  others  in  organizing  this  Association.  Mr. 
Thompson  was  moderator  of  the  Convention  held 
for  the  purpose  of  forming  the  Association  and  exerted 
his  influence  in  giving  it  shape  and  character. 

In  the  Spring  of  1808,  he  took  a  letter  of  commen- 
dation and  settled  at  Dundaff,  Susquehanna  county, 
and  commenced  preaching  for  a  branch  of  "  Elder 
Miller's  church,"  in  Elkwoods.  The  people,  however, 
soon  lost  confidence  in  his  moral  character,  he  having 
been  drawn  into  habits  of  intemperance  and  frequently 
seen  in  a  state  of  intoxication.  In  the  Summer  of 
1809,  complaint  was  made  of  his  conduct  to  the  Mt. 
Pleasant  Church,  of  which  he  was  still  a  member,  by 
the  Abington  Church,  in  the  bounds  of  which  he  was 
then  living.  In  the  Fall  of  1813,  he  was  excluded 
from  the  church  and  published  in  the  minutes  of  the 
Association,  of  1819,  as  an  imposter,  and  the  churches 
were  cautioned  against  his  pretensions. 

It  is  not  certainly  known  that  he  was  ever  reclaimed 
from  his  wanderings  or  restored  to  membership  in  the 
church.  There  was,  however,  a  floating  report  of  his 
subsequent  reformation,  and  an  aged  acquaintance  of 
his,  "  hopes,"  from  what  of  information  he  has  receive 
ed,  "  that  his  end  was  peace."  He  had  moved  from 
the  vicinity,  but  to  what  place  is  not  certainly  known ; 


280  BIOGRAPHICAL    NOTICES. 

some  say  to  Kingston  in  the  Wyoming  Valley  ;  others, 
to  Penn  Yan  in  the  State  of  New  York.* 

It  is  presumed  that  he  and  his  wife  have  long  since 
died  and  been  "gathered  to  their  fathers."  They  had 
eight  children,  five  of  whom  were  sons.  Epaphras,  the 
oldest  son,  became  a  minister  of  the  Baptist  church, 
and  settled  in  Western  New  York  ;  Manna,  the  second 
son,  was  for  a  time  a  preacher  among  the  Episcopal 
Methodist,  but  subsequently  of  the  Presbyterian  de- 
nomination. The  daughters  are  all  dead,  as  is  believed, 
and  perhaps  most  or  all  of  the  sons. 

Mr.  Thompson  was  a  man  of  respectable  talents  and 
attainments :    somewhat   proud   and   ostentatious ;    of 
commanding  appearance  and  commendable  address. 
"  "Unknown  he  came  ;  he  went  a  mystery — 
A  stately  vessel  foundered  in  a  ealm." 

REV.    SAMUEL   STURDEVANT. 

The  life  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  remarkably 
uniform  and  his  labors  were  extensively  useful.  He 
pursued  the  even  tenor  of  his  way  and  work  amid  many 
cares  and  crosses. 

Samuel  Sturdevant,  born  as  is  believed,  in  Danbury, 
Fairfield  county,  Connecticut,  August  30th,  1741,  was 
the  child  of  pious  parents  belonging  to  the  Congrega- 
tionalists.     He  early  made  a  public  profession  of  reli- 

*  When  remonstrated  with,  by  Rev.  Elna'han  Baker,  for  his  dissipation,  he 
would  rep'y,  "  I  have  greatly  wandered  and  I  am  singing  a  different  tune 
from  what  I  formerly  did,  but  I  have  not  lost  the  mi  on  the  gamut — my  feel- 
ings are  stil1  tender." 

It  is  related  that  he  began  to  reform,  while  at  Kingston,  and  after  removing 
to  Penn  Yan,  resumed  preaching,  and  finally  died  at  or  near  that  place.  It  is 
remarkable  that  any  of  the  pioneer  ministers  escaped  intemperate  habits, 
considering  the  state  of  public  sentiment  and  practice  at  that  time  as  to  the 
sale  and  use  of  intoxicating  drinks. 


PIONEER    PREACHERS.  281 

gion  and  joined  the  society  of  which  his  parents  were 
esteemed  members.  His  attention,  however,  being 
subsequently  directed  to  the  mode  and  subjects  of  Bap- 
tism, by  reading  1  Cor.  15 :  29,  he  was  led  to  give  the 
subject  a  thorough  examination,  which  resulted  in 
breaking  up  his  early  prejudices  and  leading  him  to 
adopt  the  distinctive  principles  of  the  Baptists.  At  the 
sacrifice  of  personal  feelings  and  perhaps  friends,  he 
followed  his  honest  convictions  and  united  with  the 
Baptist  church. 

In  his  youthful  years  he  was  married  to  Miss  Ruth 
Northrop,  of  his  native  place,  by  whom  he  subsequently 
had  eight  children,  two  sons  and  six  daughters.  A  few 
years  later,  at  the  call  of  duty  and  danger,  leaving  the 
quiet  of  domestic  life  and  agricultural  labor,  he  entered 
the  army  of  the  revolution  and  continued  in  the  service 
until  the  conclusion  of  the  war.  Returning  to  the 
bosom  of  his  family  and  resuming  the  peaceful  pur- 
suits of  the  farm,  he  shared  the  blessings  of  liberty, 
and  enjoyed  the  privileges  of  free  government,  which 
he  had  aided  in  securing  for  himself  and  his  country. 
But  every  position  and  pursuit  has  its  difficulties  and 
disappointments.  His  wife  soon  sickened  and  died, 
leaving  him  with  a  large  family  of  young  children  to 
watch  over  and  provide  for. 

In  about  1790,  he  married  Miss  Sarah  Morris  and 
moved  with  his  wife  and  all  his  children  except  one 
daughter,  into  Pennsylvania,  and  settled  on  the  Sus- 
quehanna at  *Blackwalnutbottom,  in  what  is  now  Brain- 

*"  The  land  is  exceedingly  fine  and  rich,  the  soil  very  black  and  timbered 
chiefly  with  black  walnut,  which  are  remarkably  large,  some  not  less  than 
six  feet  oyer,  and  exceedingly  high.  It  is  likewise  well  calculated  for  making 
fine  and  extensive  meadows."— Journal  of  Colonel  Adain,  Hubley,  1779. 


282  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

trim,  Wyoming  county.  His  second  wife,  however, 
died  soon  after  his  settlement  in  this  wild  region.  He 
was  subsequently  married  to  Mrs.  Lucy  Cooley,  a 
widow  with  five  children.  By  her  he  had  three  chil- 
dren, two  sons  and  a  daughter.  All  his  children  are 
now  dead,  except  Elijah,  his  elder  son  by  his  last  wife, 
and  Mrs.  Joseph  Smith,  living  in  Windham,  on  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  river  from  the  old  homestead. 

Mr.  Sturdevant  found  the  region  but  sparsely  set- 
tled, and  the  people  comparatively  destitute  of  religious 
privileges.  The  Sabbath  was  principally  occupied  in 
fishing,  hunting,  and  other  rude  recreations,  while  re- 
ligious meetings  were  seldom  held  and  but  thinly  at- 
tended. To  provide  for  the  temporal  wants  of  himself 
and  numerous  family,  required  most  of  his  time  and 
attention,  yet  the  spiritual  destitution  of  the  scattered 
population,  constrained  him  to  sacrifice  his  pecuniary 
interests  and  personal  ease,  to  preach  the  "glorious 
Gospel."  He  accordingly  commenced  preaching  at 
once  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  and  soon  extended  his 
labors  to  adjacent  settlements,  scattered  up  and  down 
the  Susquehanna  river  and  along  the  Wyalusing  and 
Tunkhannock  creeks.  He  preached  statedly  at  Black- 
walnutbottom,  Thornbottom,  and  Tunkhannock,  and 
also  occasionally  at  various  other  settlements  more 
distant,  and,  if  possible,  more  destitute,  When  at- 
tending an  appointment  at  Thornbottom  on  the  Tunk- 
hannock, he  was  called  to  preach  a  funeral  sermon  in 
Abington— the  first  sermon,  it  is  believed,  ever  preach* 
ed  in  that  township,  Thus  providentially  introduced, 
he  frequently  visited  the  place  and  preached  for  the 
few  Baptists  who  had  recently  settled  in  that  wilderness. 


PIONEER    PREACHERS.  288 

Mr.  Sturdevant  commenced  "exercising  his  gift" 
while  in  Connecticut,  but  was  not  "  set  apart"  to  the 
ministry  until  after  his  settlement  in  Pennsylvania. 
Under  his  faithful  labors  the  Usher  Baptist  Church 
was  gathered  and  organized  at  Blackwalnutbottom. 
He  was  soon  after  ordained  as  pastor  of  this  church 
by  Rev.  David  Jayne,  then  living  at  Thornbottom  on 
the  Tunkhannock.  He  was  also  present  as  a  delegate 
from  this  church,  at  the  recognition  of  Abington 
Church  and  ordination  of  Mr.  John  Miller,  in  the 
Autumn  of  1802,  and  participated  in  the  public  ser* 
vices  on  that  occasion.  He  offered  the  ordination 
prayer,  and  baptized  six  of  the  constituent  members 
of  the  church.  He  was  also  present  at  the  organiza- 
tion of  this  Association,  in  1807,  and,  by  invitation, 
took  a  seat  in  the  convention  and  part  in  its  delib- 
erations. 

The  church  at  Blackwalnutbottom,  of  which  he  was 
a  constituent  member  and  the  only  pastor,  having  dis- 
banded, he  united  on  "recommend,"  and  his  wife  Lucy, 
on  "  experience,"  with  the  Abington  Church,  perhaps 
in  1809.  They  remained  esteemed  members  of  this 
church  until  the  28th  of  June,  1816,  when  they  took 
letters  of  dismission  and  became  constituent  members 
of  the  Braintrim  Church,  organized  of  the  scattered 
members  of  the  late  Usher  Church  and  recent  converts, 
near  his  home  in  Blackwalnutbottom. 

Mr.  Sturdevant  continued  to  preach  statedly  until 
the  year  1824,  when  the  infirmities  of  age  and  im- 
paired health  admonished  him  to  retire  from  the  public 
labors  of  the  ministry.  He  still  continued,  however, 
to  recommend  the  Saviour  and  his  cause  by  a  consis- 


284  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 


tent  conduct  and  godly  conversation.     In  the  Fall  of 

1827,  while  in  feeble  health,  he  called  on  most  of  the 
families  living  within  four  or  five  miles  of  his  home, 
and  conversed  with  them  on  the  "  great  salvation." 
These  were  his  last  visits.  He  now  returned  to  his 
family,  where  he  remained  until  his  decease.  His 
health  continued  to  decline  and  his  strength  to  fail. 
His  mind,  however,  was  calm  and  resigned.  The  17th 
Psalm  was  a  source  of  great  comfort  to  him  during  his 
last  sickness,  which  terminated  in  his  death,  April  9th, 

1828,  at  the  advanced  age  of  86  years.  His  funeral 
discourse  was  preached  by]Rev.  Davis  Dimock,  of  Mon- 
trose, from  Rev.  14 :  13,  to  a  large  circle  of  mourning 
relatives  and  sympathizing  neighbors.  He  was  buried 
in  the  grave-yard  on  his  own  farm.  A  plain  marble 
slab  marks  the  place  of  his  rest  and  bears  an  appropri- 
ate inscription. 

Mr.  Sturdevant  was  a  man  of  devoted  piety  and  uni- 
form faithfulness.  His  literary  attainments  and  general 
reading  were  comparatively  limited,  yet  he  was  a  dili- 
gent student  of  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and  delighted  to 
"  draw  living  water  from  this  pure  fountain."  Like 
most  of  the  pioneer  ministers,  he  preached  without  a 
stipulated  salary,  sustaining  himself  and  numerous 
family  by  his  daily  toil  on  his  own  farm.  His  ministry 
was  measurably  blessed.  Many  persons  were  brought 
to  a  saving  knowledge  of  the  truth  under  his  faithful 
labors,  and  a  number  attribute  their  first  serious  im- 
pressions to  the  influence  of  his  farewell  visits.  Most 
of  his  own  children  early  became  pious  and  united  with 
the  Baptist  church.  His  only  surviving  son,  Rev. 
Elijah  Sturdevant,  is  a  faithful  minister  of  the  Baptist 


PIONEER    PREACHERS.  285 

denomination.  His  numerous  grand-children  are  mostly 
members  of  Baptist  churches  ;  perhaps  not  less  than 
one  hundred  in  all.  Four  of  his  grand-sons  are  minis- 
ters of  the  Gospel,  viz :  Revs.  Isaac  B.  Lake,  Ira  J. 
Sturdevant,  Harvey  H.  and  Davis  D.  Gray.  The  last 
named  was,  for  a  time,  the  esteemed  pastor  of  the 
Honesdale  Church,  and  is  still  affectionately  remember- 
ed by  many  who  enjoyed  his  faithful  labors. 

Few  of  the  pioneer  ministers  of  this  region,  exerted 
a  more  lovely  and  lasting  influence  than  the  subject  of 
this  sketch ;  especially  in  the  daily  intercourse  of  do- 
mestic life,  where  the  real  character  is  most  apparent 
and  best  appreciated.  In  this  relation  his  religious  in- 
fluence was  most  happy,  forming  the  opinions  and 
moulding  the  characters,  not  only  of  his  own  children, 
but  also  extending  and  expanding  over  other  genera- 
tions of  his  numerous  posterity. 

REV.    WILLIAM    BISHOP. 

The  early  life  and  earnest  labors  of  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  are  involved  in  much  obscurity.  Neither 
the  records  of  churches,  nor  recollections  of  cotempora- 
ries,  afford  sufficient  materials  for  a  connected  account 
of  his  erratic  course  or  interesting  career.  Such  facts 
in  fragments,  however,  as  could  be  gleaned  from  reli- 
able sources,  have  been  carefully  garnered. 

William  Bishop  was  born  in  England,  in  1749  or  '50, 
where  he  married  a  wife,  by  whom  he  had  two  sons. 
The  early  death  of  his  companion  was  the  means  of  his 
hopeful  conversion.  Though  sad  and  serious,  yet  he 
subsequently  consented  to  a  second  marriage.  Eliza- 
beth, his  second  wife,  excelled  rather  in  grace  of  mind 


286  BIOGEAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

and  manners,  than  in  that  of  form  or  features.  He 
saw  her  for  the  first  time  on  the  day  of  their  marriage, 
the  "  match"  having  been  made  by  their  parents.  The 
aversion  occasioned  at  first  by  her  uncomely  counte- 
nance, was  however  soon  lost  in  her  fascinating  conver- 
sation and  amiable  deportment.  They  lived  together 
in  great  harmony  and  happiness. 

Having  been  ordained  to  the  ministry  in  his  native 
land,  he  now,  in  the  meridian  of  life,  emigrated  with 
his  family  to  America,  and  settled,  as  is  supposed,  in 
1794,  at  "  Capouse  Meadows,"  in  the  Lackawanna 
Valley,  Luzerne  county,  Pennsylvania.  His  humble 
dwelling,  built  of  hewn  logs  and  surrounded  by  a  small 
clearing,  stood  on  the  spot  occupied  by  the  present 
residence  of  Mr.  William  Merrifield,  of  Hyde  Park  ; 
and  the  "parsonage  lot,"  containing  some  three  hun- 
dred acres,  and  extending  across  the  Lackawanna  river, 
embraced  most  of  the  present  site  of  Scranton  borough. 

The  Lackawanna  Valley,  at  this  early  period,  was 
but  sparsely  populated ;  its  hidden  wealth  was  not  yet 
developed,  or  even  discovered ;  at  various  points,  how- 
ever, openings  were  made  and  settlements  commenced. 
The  pioneer  population,  chiefly  from  New  England, 
were  as  various  in  their  religious  opinions  as  they  were 
versatile  and  vigorous  in  their  secular  pursuits. 

Mr.  Bishop  was  the  first  resident  minister  in  this 
valley  and  among  this  people,  of  any  sect  or  denomina- 
tion. He  seems  to  have  been  admirably  adapted  to  the 
anomalous  position  he  providentially  occupied.  Of 
amiable  mind  and  affable  manners,  he  was  a  general 
favorite  with  the  people  of  all  classes  and  conditions. 

The  field  of  his  ministerial  labors,  extended  along 


PIONEER    PREACHERS.  287 

the  Lackawanna  and  Wyoming  valleys,  from  Blakcly 
to  Wilkesbarre,  a  distance  of  some  twenty-five  miles. 
At  Pittston,  situated  at  the  connection  of  these  valleys 
and  confluence  of  the  Lackawanna  and  Susquehanna 
rivers,  a  Baptist  church  gathered,  as  is  supposed,  under 
the  labors  of  Revs.  Eleazer  West,  of  Wyoming  Valley, 
and  James  Benedict,  of  Warwick,  N.  Y.,  had  been 
constituted  in  the  Tall  of  1786,  and  admitted  into  the 
Philadelphia  Association  in  the  Autumn  of  the  follow- 
ing year,  with  32  members,  then  under  the  pastoral 
care  of  *Rev.  James  Finn,  recently  from  Wantage, 
N.  J. ;  in  1792  it  embraced  134  communicants. 

Mr.  Bishop  became  pastor  of  this  church,  as  is  be- 
lieved, in  1794,  and  continued  to  sustain  this  relation 
during  some  ten  years.  In  the  Spring  of  1806,  this 
church,  "formerly  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Bishop," 
disbanded,  and  fourteen  of  the  remaining  members  be- 
came a  branch  of  Abington  Church. 

In  addition  to  his  regular  appointments  at  Pittston, 
Mr.  Bishop  was  accustomed  to  preach  occasionally  a't 
what  is  now  Blakely,  Providence,  Hyde  Park,  Lacka- 
wanna, Jacob's  Plains,  and  Wilkesbarre,  and  also  at 


*  Rev.  James  Finn  was  born,  as  is  believed,  at  Goshen,  New  York,  shortly- 
previous  to  the  middle  of  the  last  century,  and  at  an  early  age  was  married  to 
Miss  Hannah  Carr,  perhaps  of  his  native  place.  He  moved  into  New  Jersey 
and  was  ordained,  April  23, 1783,  as  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  of  Wantage, 
in  that  State,  where  he  remained  for  some  two  years  and  then  removed  to 
Pittston,  Pennsylvania.  He  became  the  first  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in 
that  place,  a  relation  he  sustained  during  some  six  or  seven  years.  He  is 
next  found  living  at  Thornbottom  on  the  Tunkhannock,  where  he  died  and 
his  remains  now  repose.  His  widow  married  Captain  i^aniel  Gore,  of ''Jacob's 
Plains,"  in  the  Wyoming  Valley.  She  survived  her  second  husband  and 
finally  died  at  the  house  of  her  son,  William  Finn,  in  Clifford,  Susquehanna 
county,  March  16, 1835,  aged  85  years  and  11  months.  The  descendents  of  Mr- 
Finn  and  his  wife  are  quite  numerous  in  this  region,  many  of  whom  are  follow. 
ing  in  the  steps  of  their  venerable  ancestors. 


288  BIOGRAPHICAL    NOTICES. 

various  other  places  within  and  beyond  the  limits  of 
these  valleys,  in  log  huts,  barns  and  school  houses,  as 
were  most  central  and  convenient.  Accompanied  by 
his  wife,  he  would  set  out  on  horseback  for  the  place  a 
few  days  previous  to  the  time  of  his  appointment,  and 
on  arriving,  put  up  with  some  respectable  family  in 
the  immediate  vicinity.  He  did  not  waste  his  time  in 
social  ease  or  selfish  gratifications,  but  would  visit 
during  most  of  each  day,  from  house  to  house,  through 
the  neighborhood,  conversing  with  such  as  he  chanced 
to  meet  at  their  homes  or  by  the  way,  both  old  and 
young,  on  religious  and  other  rational  subjects.  When 
the  time  appointed  for  preaching  arrived,  the  place  of 
meeting  would  be  thronged  by  persons  of  various  sects 
and  creeds,  seemingly  eager  to  listen  to  his  solemn  and 
searching  discourses.  On  the  following  day  he  would 
hasten,  with  his  wife,  to  the  place  of  his  next  appoint- 
ment, and  thus  continue  from  day  to  day  and  week  to 
week,  traveling  and  preaching ;  warning  the  careless, 
instructing  the  ignorant  and  encouraging  the  doubting 
and  desponding.  His  visits  were  uniformly  welcome, 
his  conversation  agreeable,  and  his  sermons  instructive 
and  entertaining.  He  also  took  a  prominent  part  in 
the  constitution  of  the  early  churches  and  ordination 
of  the  pioneer  pastors  of  this  isolated  region.  He 
was  present  at  the  recognition  of  the  church  at  Pal- 
myra and  ordination  of  William  Purely,  in  the  Fall  of 
1801  :  and,  also,  at  the  recognition  of  the  church  at 
Abington  and  ordination  of  John  Miller,  in  the  Autumn 
of  1802,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  private  coun- 
sels and  a  leading  position  in  the  public  services.  In 
the    Fall    of  1803,  at   the   request    of  the    people   of 


PIONEER    PREACHERS.  289 

"Jacob's  Plains,"  in  the  Wyoming  Valley,  lie  wrote  to 
the  church  of  Abington,  soliciting  the  appointment  of 
their  pastor  and  other  brethren  to  sit  in  council  at  the 
house  of  Capt.  Daniel  Gore,  "to  see  if  it  be  eligible 
to  constitute  a  church  and  ordain  Stephen  Bishop  as 
an  Elder."  Rev.  William  Purdy,  of  "  Lackawa,"  was 
also  expected  to  be  present  to  participate  in  the  duties 
and  deliberations  of  the  proposed  meeting.  There  is, 
however,  little,  if  any,  reason  to  conclude  that  it  was 
found  "  eligible"  to  constitute  a  church  or  ordain  an 
"Elder"  at  the  appointed  time  and  place. 

At  this  date,  Mr.  Bishop  disappears  from  the  stage ; 
no  trace  of  his  presence  or  preaching  in  this  region  is 
found  from  the  Autumn  of  1803  until  that  of  1811,  a 
period  of  eight  years,  excepting  once,  in  the  Fall  of 
1809,  when  he  was  at  Pittston,  perhaps  on  a  visit,  and 
preached  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Nathaniel  Giddings. 
During  this  time  the  church  at  Pittston  was  disbanded ; 
that  at  Mt.  Pleasant  recognized ;  the  Abington  Asso- 
ciation organized,  and  Deacons  of  Abington  Church 
were  ordained ;  but  no  evidence  is  found  that  he  was 
present  to  participate  in  the  interesting  services  of 
these  rare  occasions. 

It  is  believed  that  he  was  living  in  New  Jersey  du- 
ring a  part  or  all  of  this  interim,  and  laboring  as  the 
esteemed  pastor  of  Howe  Baptist  Church,  near  Free- 
hold. However,  after  this  long  absence,  he  again  ap- 
pears in  the  vicinity  of  his  former  labors,  and  settles 
with  his.  family  in  "Brown  Hollow,"  in  what  is  now 
Scott,  Luzerne  county,  Pennsylvania.  He  was  present, 
for  the  first  time,  at  an  anniversary  of  this  Association, 
in  the  Autumn  of  1811,  "from  Philadelphia  Associa- 
25 


290  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

tion,"  and  preached  on  the  second  day  of  the  session. 
In  the  Fall  of  1812,  he  and  his  wife  Elizabeth,  united 
on  a  letter  from  the  Howe  Church,  with  the  branch  of 
Abington  Church  at  Pittston. 

He  now  resumed  his  ministerial  labors,  traveling 
and  preaching  in  the  field  of  his  former  efforts.  He 
attended  the  anniversaries  of  this  Association  in  1812, 
'13,  '14  and  '15,  preaching  at  different  times  and  offici- 
ating as  moderator  in  1-813  and  '15. 

His  wife  died,  as  is  believed,  in  the  Winter  of  1812 
and  '13.  His  son  Henry,  previously  married,  subse- 
quently moved  from  the  vicinity ;  the  other  son,  Wil- 
liam, died  and  was  buried  in  Greenfield. 

In  1814,  Mr.  Bishop  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs. 
Morse,  of  Clifford.  Not  having  learned  to  woo  in  early 
life,  he  was  somewhat  peculiar  in  such  matters  in  his 
declining  years.  It  is  related  that  he  secured  his  third 
wife  in  the  following  manner.  Coming  to  the  log-cabin 
of  Mrs.  Morse,  he  stooped  in  at  the  low  door  and  immedi- 
ately made  known  the  object  of  his  unexpected  visit. 
Without  waiting  for  an  answer,  he  said,  "  Come,  let  us 
inquire  of  the  Lord  ;  he  will  tell  us  what  is  best."  He 
then  dropped  on  his  knees  and  offered  a  pertinent  prayer 
for  Divine  direction.  Mrs.  Morse,  being  a  pious  widow, 
said  in  fact  if  not  in  form,  "  The  will  of  the  Lord  be 
done." 

The  union  thus  formed  was,  however,  of  but  short 
duration.  Mr.  Bishop  died,  March  22d,  1816,  in  the 
67th  year  of  his  age,  loved  and  lamented  by  numerous 
brethren  and  friends.  Rev.  John  Miller,  of  Abington, 
preached  his  funeral  sermon,  and,  as  was  his  custom, 
gave  an  outline  of  his  life  and  labors.     He  was  buried 


PIONEER   PREACHERS.  291 

in  what  is  now  Scott,  on  the  farm  owned  and  occupied 
at  the  time  by  Capt.  James  Brown,  over  the  way  from 
the  principal  burying-ground,  near  the  present  resi- 
dence of  Mr.  Stephen  Vosburgh.  A  slab  of  brown 
stone  marks  the  place  of  his  rest,  and  bears  a  brief 
but  appropriate  inscription.  Two  wild  cherries  cast 
their  morning  shadows  and  Autumnal  leaves  on  his 
lonely  grave. 

Thus  lived,  labored  and  died  one  of  the  pioneer 
preachers  of  this  Association,  and  the  first  resident 
minister  of  Lackawanna  Valley. 

It  is  said,  by  those  who  were  personally  acquainted 
with  Mr.  Bishop,  that  he  was  of  medium  stature  and 
manly  presence  ;  agreeable  in  conversation  and  gentle- 
manly in  his  manners  and  intercourse.  His  native 
talents  were  rare  and  literary  attainment  respectable, 
though  not  liberal.  He  was  not  fluent  of  speech  or 
flowery  in  style,  yet  his  discourses,  often  extending 
through  some  two  hours,  according  to  the  custom  of 
the  times,  were  replete  with  sound  views  and  salutary 
instruction,  and  uniformly  elicited  a  fixed  attention 
and  left  a  favorable  impression.  His  opinion  was  fre- 
quently consulted  and  advice  sought  on  doubtful  or 
difficult  questions.  He  maintained  to  the  last  an 
unblemished  reputation  as  a  man  and  minister,  for 
"deep  piety  and  strong  integrity."  Such  is  the  testi- 
mony of  one  who  knows  whereof  he  affirms.  He  closed 
his  eventful  life,  surrounded  by  numerous  friends  and 
sustained  by  an  unwavering  faith  and  confident  hope. 
Nearly  the  last  words  that  lingered  on  his  dying  lips, 
were  "I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am  persua- 
ded that  he  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  committed 
to  him  against  that  day." 


292  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES, 

THE  PIONEER  PASTORS. 

The  following  were  the  original  pastors  of  the  three 
constituent  churches  of  the  Association.  There  was  a 
marked  similarity  in  the  leading  events  of  their  active 
and  interesting  lives.  The  three  were  born  in  Connec- 
ticut, and  ordained  in  Pennsylvania  ;  they  were  also 
constituent  members  of  the  respective  churches  over 
which  they  presided  for  so  many  years  with  so  much 
faithfulness.  They  lived  in  the  same  region  and  labor- 
ed side  by  side,  aiding  and  sympathizing  with  each 
other  in  their  toils  and  successes.  Their  remains  await 
the  resurrection  on  their  respective  fields  of  pastoral 
labor,  while  their  ransomed  spirits,  as  we  trust,  hold 
sweet  converse  with  each  other  and  communion  with 
their  adorable  Saviour  in  the  paradise  of  God. 

REV.    WILLIAM   PURDY. 

It  has  cost  many  inquiries  to  elicit  even  the  few  facts 
embraced  in  the  following  brief  sketch.  Most  who 
were  familiar  with  the  daily  life  and  diversified  labors 
of  its  venerable  subject,  have  long  since  been  removed 
and  "gathered  to  their  fathers;"  nor  have  the  few 
dates  of  family  records  or  indistinct  recollections  of 
surviving  relatives,  furnished  the  desired  information, 
or  fully  gratified  a  laudable  curiosity. 

William  Purdy  was  born  April  14th,  1749,  at  Horse 
Neck,  Fairfield  county,  Connecticut.  Of  his  early 
training  or  youthful  promise  nothing  of  interest  has 
been  distinctly  left  or  definitely  learned.  It  is,  how- 
ever, presumed  that  he  was  religiously  educated  under 
Baptist  influences.     A  Baptist  church  being  organized 


PIONEER     PASTORS.  293 

in  his  native  town  some  two  years  previous  to  his  birth, 
it  is  probable  that  his  parents  became  members  and 
educated  their  children  in  their  distinctive  principles. 
Their  son  Silas  entertained  Baptist  sentiments  as  also 
did  many  other  members  of  the  Purdy  family. 

At  the  early  age  of  twenty,  Wm.  Purdy  was  united 
in  marriage,  October  25th,  1769,  with  Miss  Rachel 
Purdy,  who  was  only  fifteen  years  of  age.  He  then 
moved  into  the  State  of  New  York,  and  resided  for  a 
time  at  "  Nine  Partners,"  in  Dutchess  county.  Leav- 
ing this  place  he  lived  for  some  years  at  New  Marl- 
borough, in  Ulster  county,  a  few  miles  north  of  New- 
burgh.  While  living  at  this  place  it  is  believed  that  he 
was  baptized  on  a  profession  of  faith  by  Rev.  Jacob 
Drake,  afterwards  settled  in  Pennsylvania  at  Exeter  on 
the  Susquehanna  river,  and  recevied  as  a  member  of  the 
Baptist  church  at  Pleasant  Valley,  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  Hudson.  He  was  soon  ordained  a  Deacon  of 
this  church,  and  subsequently  licensed  to  preach  the 
Gospel. 

In  the  year  1792  he  moved  with  his  family  into 
Northampton  county,  now  Wayne,  Pennsylvania,  and 
settled  some  four  miles  north  of  the  "Lackawa  Settle- 
ment"— now  Paupack — on  a  tract  of  wild  land  which 
he  had  previously  purchased.  His  brother  Silas  had 
also  settled  some  two  miles  south  on  the  north-west 
bank  of  the  Wallenpaupack.  He  immediately  com- 
menced preaching  in  the  neighborhood  and  soon  ex- 
tended his  labors  to  surrounding  settlements.  His 
efforts  were  owned  and  blessed  ;  among  others  a  num- 
ber of  the  members  of  his  own  family  were  brought  to 
a  saving  knowledge  of  the  truth.     The  Palmyra  Baptist 


294  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

Church,  organized  of  fifteen  members,  was  recognized 
in  September,  1801,  by  a  council  convened  for  that 
purpose.  Mr.  Wm.  Purdy  was  ordained  as  pastor  of 
this  infant  church  on  the  day  of  its  recognition.  The 
public  services  were  conducted  by  Revs.  John  Oaton, 
of  Brookfield,  New  York,  Wm.  Bishop,  of  "  Capouse 
Meadows,"  and  Epaphras  Thompson,  of  Mt.  Pleasant. 
Mr.  Purdy  immediately  baptized  three  of  his  own  sons. 
It  was  a  day  of  holy  joy  and  grateful  praise.  "  The 
wilderness  and  the  solitary  place"  was  made  "glad  for 
them,  and  the  desert"  began  to  "rejoice  and  blossom  as 
the  rose." 

Under  his  persevering  labors  the  church  was  mea- 
surably prospered  and  gradually  enlarged.  He  also 
endeavored  to  inculcate  sound  doctrine  and  enforce  a 
salutary  discipline.  Thus  strength  and  stability  were 
secured  and  perpetuated.  He  also  manifested  a  lauda- 
ble interest  in  planting  new  churches  and  promoting 
the  general  prosperity  of  the  cause.  He  was  present 
at  the  recognition  of  Abington  Church  and  ordination 
of  John  Miller,  in  the  Autumn  of  1802,  and  participated 
in  the  public  services  on  that  interesting  occasion.  He 
also  took  a  leading  part  in  the  organization  of  the 
Abington  Association  in  1807,  and  acted  as  chairman 
of  the  committee  appointed  to  draft  its  constitution. 
He  frequently  presided  over  the  deliberations  of  this 
body  and  preached  the  opening  sermon  at  its  anniver- 
saries. 

He  had  stated  appointments  at  various  out-stations 
scattered  over  an  extensive  field.  He  preached  regu- 
larly at  Salem,  Cherry  Ridge,  Indian  Orchard,  and 
"  Lackawa  Settlement."     But  his  ministerial  labors  were 


PIONEER     PASTORS.  295 

not  confined  to  the  church  of  which  he  was  pastor  or  the 
immediate  vicinity.  He  was  accustomed  to  take  an 
annual  tour  beyond  the  Moosic  mountain  to  preach  at 
distant  settlements  scattered  over  the  hills  and  along 
the  valleys  of  that  wild  region. 

In  making  this  tour  he  rode  on  horseback,  traveling 
over  difficult  roads  or  following  dangerous  paths, 
through  an  almost  unbroken  wilderness.  Follow  the 
solitary  traveler  in  his  annual  circuit  as  he  climbs  over 
rugged  ridges,  descends  through  dark  valleys  or  traces 
the  meandering  water  course.  Taking  leave  of  family 
and  friends  he  starts  on  his  solitary  journey  ;  entering 
the  forest  he  passes  through  Salem  and  crosses  the 
mountain  at  *  "  Cobb's  Gap,"  and  descending  along 
Roaring  brook  into  the  valley  at  "  Capouse  Meadows" — • 
now  Scranton — and  crossing  the  Lackawanna,  he  calls 
at  the  log-cabin  of  Rev.  Wm.  Bishop,  on  the  present 
site  of  Hyde  Park,  where  he  receives  a  fraternal  greet- 
ing and  partakes  of  genuine  English  hospitality. 
Thence  he  follows  down  the  Lackawanna  river — halt- 
ing perhaps  by  the  way  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Eleazer 
Atherton,  in  the  "  Gore," — to  its  confluence  with  the 
Susquehanna  at  Pittston  in  full  view  of  "  fair  Wyom- 
ing," and  calls  on  Mr.  John  Phillips,  one  of  the  "  Green 
mountain  boys,"  or  stops  with  Dr.  Nathaniel  Giddings, 
where  he  is  kindly  entertained  after  the  most  approved 
New  England  style.     He  next  turns  his  course  up  the 


*This  opening  in  the  Moosic  mountain  took  its  name  from  Dea.  Asa  Cobb, 
who  had  emigrated  from  the  State  of  New  York,  and  settled  with  his  family 
in  1791,  at  this  "  gap"  on  the  Indian  path  leading  fi  om  the  Wyoming  Valley  to 
Coshutunk  on  the  Delaware  river.  He  died  March  24th,  1808,  in  the  58th  year 
of  his  age.  His  funeral  discourse  was  preached  by  the  pastor  of  Palmyra 
Church,  of  which  he  was  a  member  and  deacon. 


296  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

Susquehanna,  now  under  projecting  crags,  now  by 
water  falls,  then  in  fertile  plains,  passing  through  Exe- 
ter, Newton  and  Falls,  until  he  arrives  at  Tunkhan- 
nock.  He  now  turns  his  face  homeward,  following  up 
the  Tunkhannock  creek  to  Thornbottom,  an  early  settle- 
ment about  a  mile  above  the  present  depot  of  the  Dela- 
ware, Lackawanna  and  Western  Rail  Road.  Thence  he 
continues  his  journey  up  the  winding  stream  to  its  con- 
fluence with  Martin  creek,  which  he  follows  to  Hopbottom 
— now  Brooklyn  Centre — an  ancient  Irish  Settlement* 
Thence  he  passes  over  the  hills  to  "Nine  Partners" — 
now  Harford — and  is  welcomed  to  the  hospitable  *man- 
sion  of  Mr.  Elkanah  Tingley.  From  this  place  he  pur- 
sues his  weary  way  across  rugged  ridges  through  "Elk- 
woods"  and  among  the  broken  spurs  of  the  Moosic  moun- 
tain, to  Mt.  Pleasant,  where  he  is  warmly  welcomed  to 
the  home  and  heart  of  his  friend  and  fellow-laborer,  Rev. 
Elijah  Peck.  He  now  passes  down  to  Bethany  and  stops 
at  the  house  of  Mr.  Ephraim  Torrey,  where  he  is  cor- 
dially greeted  and  kindly  entertained.  But  he  may  not 
linger ;  the  thoughts  of  loved  ones  at  home  urge  him 
onward.  He  passes  the  junction  of  the  Dyberry  and 
Lackawaxen,  the  present  site  of  Honesdale,  through 
Indian  Orchard  and  Cherry  Ridge,  and  finally  arrives 
at  his  home  in  Palmyra,  where  warm  hearts  welcome 
the  weary  wanderer  to  the  ease  and  endearments  of 
family  and  fireside.  See  what  he  has  accomplished. 
He  has  traveled  upwards  of  a  hundred  miles  over  bad 
roads,  through  sun-shine  and  storm,  preached  at  some 

*  This  commodious  dwelling,  erected  in  1808,  is  now,  after  a  lapse  of  half 
a  century,  in  excellent  condition  and  occupied  by  Dea.  Freeman  Tingley,  son 
of  Darias  and  grand-son  of  Elkanah  Tingley.  It  is  still  a  "  Baptist  tavern" 
where  the  weary  find  rest  and  the  worthy  refreshment. 


PIONEER     PASTORS.  297 

twelve  settlements,  baptized  perhaps  a  few  converts, 
and  comforted  and  encouraged  many  Christian  hearts. 
He  frequently  repeats  this  solitary  journey,  passing 
over  the  same  route,  stopping  at  the  same  places,  calling 
on  the  same  persons,  "  confirming  the  souls  of  the  disci- 
ples and  exhorting  them  to  continue  in  the  faith." 

Mr.  Wm.  Purdy  continued  the  esteemed  pastor  of 
Palmyra  Church  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century,  labor- 
ing without  a  stated  salary  and  sustaining  his  family 
by  his  own  exertions.  He  died  March  1st,  1824,  in 
the  75th  year  of  his  age  and  28th  of  his  ministry. 
His  funeral  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  George 
Dobell,  who  succeeded  him  as  pastor  of  the  church, 
and  is  still  living  in  Salem.  His  wife,  by  whom  he 
had  nine  children,  six  sons  and  three  daughters,  sur- 
vived him  only  a  short  period.  She  died  October  20th, 
1828,  also  in  her  75th  year,  having  been  a  devoted 
Christian  upwards  of  a  quarter  of  a  century.  She  was 
buried  by  the  side  of  her  husband  in  the  family  cemetery, 
on  the  farm  of  his  brother  Silas,  situated  on  a  gentle  ele- 
vation overlooking  the  Wallenpaupack,  where  its  dark  wa- 
ters reverently  bend  towards  the  resting  place  of  these 
departed  saints.  Two  rude  slabs  of  brown  stone,  erected 
long  since  by  an  only  surviving  son,  mark  their  graves 
and  bear  a  dim  but  appropriate  inscription.  Two  trees, 
an  apple  and  an  oak,  blend  their  dark  shadows  on  this 
wild  spot,  and  mingle  their  autumnal  leaves  over  the 
sleeping  dust  of  the  silent  dead. 

Most  of  their  children  have  followed  them  to  the 
grave,  only  three  of  the  nine  surviving.  All  except 
one  made  a  public  profession  of  religion;  some  were 
devotedly   pious.     Mr.   Wm.   Purdy,    Jr.,  one  of  the 


298  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

sons,  was  a  minister.  Having  supplied  the  Bethany 
church  for  a  time,  in  1821  he  emigrated  to  the  West 
and  settled  at  Killbuck,  Holmes  county,  Ohio,  where 
he  was  instrumental  in  gathering  and  organizing  an 
61  Old  School"  Baptist  church  of  which  he  was  pastor 
until  his  decease,  November  24th,  1846,  in  the  74th 
year  of  his  age  and  29th  of  his  ministry. 

Their  grand  and  great-grand  children  are  very  numer- 
ous and  widely  scattered,  living  at  various  places  in  the 
Eastern,  Middle,  and  Western  States,  from  the  Atlan- 
tic to  the  Pacific  Ocean.  A  large  number  are  profes- 
sors of  religion  and  members  of  the  Baptist  denomina- 
tion. Thus  the  influence  of  this  pious  couple  is  already 
widely  felt  and  will  doubtless  continue  to  extend  to  the 
close  of  time,  affecting  and  blessing  generation  after 
generation  of  their  lineal  descendants. 

REV.    JOHN   MILLER. 

It  will  be  unnecessary  to  present  more  than  a  brief 
outline  of  the  active  life  and  abundant  labors  of  the 
venerable  subject  of  this  sketch.  To  do  more  would 
necessarily  embrace  a  history  of  the  Baptist  cause  in 
north-eastern  Pennsylvania,  so  intimately  interwoven 
were  his  life  and  labors  with  its  origin  and  progress.  He 
was  one  of  the  first  to  erect  the  Baptist  standard  in 
this  region,  and  among  the  foremost  to  rally  to  its  sup- 
port and  defence.  In  the  Abington  Baptist  Associa- 
tion he  was  the  moving  spirit  and  acknowledged  leader 
for  nearly  half  a  century.  It  was  organized  in  his 
house,  and  received  the  impress  of  his  mind ;  in  subse- 
quent years  it  was  fostered  by  his  anxious  care  and 
guided  by  his  prudent  counsels. 


PIONEER     PASTORS.  299 

John  Miller,  born  February  3d,  1775,  in  Voluntown, 
now  Sterling,  Windham  county,  Connecticut,  was  one 
of  six  children,  five  sons,  and  a  daughter.  His  parents 
were  not  wealthy,  but  were  worthy  citizens.  His 
father  was  a  Universalist,  and  his  mother  a  Baptist. 
His  paternal  grandfather  was  a  Presbyterian  clergyman 
and  preached  the  Gospel  for  nearly  half  a  century. 

Little  is  known  to  the  writer  of  his  early  life  ;  of  his 
opportunities  or  associations ;  of  his  favorite  pursuits 
or  future  promise.  On  the  farm  with  his  father,  he 
was  early  inured  to  honorable  toil,  and  trained  to  agri- 
cultural pursuits.  Thus  early  habits  of  useful  employ- 
ment, were  formed  and  fostered,  and  his  physical 
faculties  and  powers  developed  and  disciplined,  laying 
a  broad  basis  and  firm  foundation  for  a  hardy  constitu- 
tion and  honorable  character.  The  education  he  re- 
ceived was  comparatively  limited ;  a  knowledge  of  the 
branches  usually  taught  in  common  schools  was  its 
utmost  extent.  His  moral  and  religious  culture  was 
not  forgotten  or  neglected.  He  enjoyed  the  watchful 
care  and  judicious  counsels  of  a  pious  and  prayerful 
mother,  when  they  were  most  necessary  to  shield  him 
from  the  evil  influence  of  wicked  examples  and  erro- 
neous doctrines,  and  to  instil  into  his  tender  mind  cor- 
rect principles  of  morality  and  religion.  Her  maternal 
care  and  counsels  were  not  without  their  salutary 
influence ;  the  seeds  of  correct  principles,  thus  early 
sown,  germinated  and  sprung  up  in  subsequent  years, 
and  yielded  an  abundant  harvest. 

He  continued  to  live  with  his  parents  at  Voluntown, 
Connecticut,  until  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age,  when 
they  moved  some  four  miles  distant  to  Plainfield,  in  the 


300  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

same  State.  While  at  this  place,  in  the  Summer  of 
1793,  in  his  18th  year  he  was  brought  under  especial 
religious  influence,  and  awakened  to  a  sense  of  his  lost 
condition.  An  extensive  revival  was  enjoyed  in  the 
vicinity,  and  a  large  number  of  persons  hopefully  con- 
verted. John  Miller  was  among  the  number.  Awak- 
ened under  the  pointed  appeals  of  the  Gospel  and 
powerful  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  was  led  to 
see  himself  a  ruined  sinner,  and  to  cast  himself  on  the 
divine  mercy.  Peace  was  given  and  pardon  granted. 
He  was  soon  after  baptized,  on  a  profession  of  faith, 
by  Rev.  Nathaniel  Cole,  and  became  one  of  the  con- 
stituent members  of  a  Baptist  church,  organized  in 
that  place.  He  lived  at  Plainfield  until  he  was  nine- 
teen years  of  age,  when  his  parents  emigrated  with 
their  children  to  the  State  of  New  York,  and  settled 
at  North  Norwich,  in  the  Chenango  Valley.  He  also 
became  one  of  the  constituent  members  of  a  Baptist 
church,  organized  in  that  place.  At  the  age  of  twen- 
ty-two, he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Polly 
Hall,  of  his  native  place,  February  18th,  1797.  Soon 
after,  with  his  youthful  companion  and  limited  means, 
he  moved  with  his  parents  to  Hardwick,  Otsego  county, 
New  York.  He  united  by  letter  with  the  Baptist 
church  in  that  place.  After  remaining  here  a  few 
years,  he  emigrated  with  his  family  to  Pennsylvania, 
and  arrived  at  Tunkhannock,  now  Abington,  Luzerne 
county,  on  the  fifth  anniversary  of  his  marriage,  Feb- 
ruary 18th,  1802,  and  in  the  twenty-eighth  year  of  his 
age,  in  the  vigor  and  strength  of  his  early  manhood. 
Here  he  settled,  and  has  since  lived  and  labored  until 
his  decease,  February  19th,-1857,  aged  82  years  and 


PIONEER     PASTORS.  301 

16  clays.  His  wife  was  the  fifth  female  in  the  settle- 
ment. This  region  was  then  an  almost  unbroken 
forest — -the  haunt  of  the  wild  beast  and  the  hunting 
ground  of  the  savage.  A  few  families  had  preceded 
him  in  the  settlement,  and  others  subsequently  fol- 
lowed. At  various  points  in  the  surrounding  wilder- 
ness, openings  were  soon  made  and  settlements  com- 
menced ;  the  ancient  forest  slowly  retired  before  the 
sturdy  stroke  of  the  woodman'' s  axe,  and  the  deer  and 
the  elk,  the  wolf  and  the  panther,  were  startled  from 
their  lairs  by  its  echo  among  the  hills,  and  gradually 
driven  from  their  lurking  places  by  the  advancing  tide 
of  an  enterprising  population.  Waving  fields  of  "gold- 
en  grain"  now  rejoiced  the  heart  and  rewarded  the  toil 
of  the  hardy  pioneer.  A  comfortable  log-cabin  shel- 
tered his  growing  family  and  welcomed  his  weary 
steps  ;  the  log-barn  with  open  doors  and  thatched  roof, 
garnered  his  hay  and  grain  and  protected  his  flocks  and 
herds  from  the  whirling  sleet  and  wintry  storm.  Mr. 
Miller,  in  common  with  others,  participated  in  the  trials 
and  triumphs,  the  privations  and  privileges  connected 
with  the  origin  and  progress  of  the  Abington  settle- 
ment. 

But  pleasant  families  and  comfortable  homes  were 
not  the  only  blessings  to  be  desired  or  to  be  sought. 
The  comforts  of  the  body  or  culture  of  the  mind  will 
bear  no  comparison  with  the  conversion  of  the  soul  or 
sclaims  of  <jrod,  in  their  real  interest  or  vital  impor- 
tance. Moved,  doubtless,  by  these  or  similar  consid- 
erations, the  attention  of  Mr.  Miller  was  arrested  and 
turned  from  secular  pursuits  to  the  sacred  work  of 
preaching  the  "  glorious  Gospel  of  the  blessed  GocL" 
20 


302  BIOGRAPHICAL    NOTICES. 

In  obedience  to  his  own  convictions  of  personal  duty, 
without  "consulting  with  flesh  and  blood,"  he  entered 
at  once  upon  the  responsible  work  in  June  of  1802. 
His  first  efforts  were  attended  with  cheerins;  tokens  of 
divine  approbation  and  a  large  number  of  persons,  con- 
sidering the  sparseness  of  the  population,  were  hope- 
fully converted.  But  thus  far  they  had  no  organized 
church  or  ordained  minister.  This  want  was  soon  met 
and  supplied.  On  the  18th  of  November,  1802,  the 
Abington  Baptist  Church  was  recognized  with  fifteen 
constituent  members,  and  Mr.  Miller  ordained  as  its 
pastor,  with  appropriate  religious  services  by  a  council 
of  ministers  and  members,  called  for  that  purpose.  He 
continued  the  esteemed  pastor  of  this  church  until  1853 
— upwards  of  half  a  century.  During  that  time  his 
labors  were  arduous  and  abundant.  Few  have  lived 
and  labored  so  long  on  the  same  field  with  an  equal  de- 
gree of  efficiency  and  success.  Doubtless  many  imperfec- 
tions have  mingled  with  his  efforts  and  often  marred 
their  fruits,  but  God  has  been  pieased  to  employ  him  in 
his  service,  and  graciously  own  and  greatly  bless  the 
labors  of  his  servant. 

Mr.  Miller  diligently  cultivated  an  extensive  field. 
It  formerly  embraced  the  northern  part  of  Luzerne, 
and  portions  of  Wyoming  and  Susquehanna  counties, 
commencing  at  the  summit  of  the  Moosic  mountain  on 
the  north-east,  and  extending  down  its  south-western 
slope,  over  the  Abington  hills  and  beyond  the  waters 
of  the  Susquehanna.  His  preaching  stations  were 
scattered  over  this  extensive  field ;  they  were  quite 
numerous  and  often  many  miles  distant  from  the  place 
of  his  residence.     He  was  accustomed  to   preach  fre- 


PIONEER     PASTORS.  303 

quently  at  Benton  and  Blakely,  Clifford  and  Carbon- 
dale,  Eaton  and  Exeter,  Newton  and  Northinoreland, 
Pittston  and  Providence,  Greenfield  and  Tunkkannock, 
and  at  various  other  points  within  and  beyond  the 
limits  of  this  extensive  field.  East  and  West  Abing- 
ton,  however,  were  his  principal  stations — centres  of 
effort  and  influence.  Here  his  appointments  were  most 
frequent  and  the  fruits  of  his  labors  most  apparent. 

The  old  church  at  Abington  Centre  has  enjoyed  an 
unusual  degree  of  numerical  prosperity  under  his  pro- 
tracted ministry.  At  an  early  period  a  numerous 
membership  was  gathered  into  this  church,  and  gradu- 
ally augmented,  with  occasional  reverses,  until  he  re- 
signed the  pastoral  charge  in  1853.  His  ministerial 
labors,  however,  were  not  devoted  exclusively  to  the 
spiritual  interests  of  this  church  or  the  immediate 
vicinity,  but  during  the  earlier  portion  of  his  ministry, 
he  was  accustomed  to  travel  on  foot  or  ride  on  horse- 
back from  three  to  thirty  miles  through  the  wilderness, 
following  meandering  paths  or  guided  by  marked  trees, 
to  preach  the  Gospel  and  plant  churches  in  distant  and 
destitute  settlements.  These  long  and  lonesome  jour- 
neys were  not  only  attended  with  many  hardships  from 
the  length  and  roughness  of  the  way,  but  often  by 
much  danger  from  the  wolf,  panther,  and  other  beasts 
of  prey  that  still  infested  many  portions  of  this  wild 
region  and  prowled  over  its  craggy  heights  or  skulked 
through  its  dark  valleys  and  dismal  swamps.  But  not 
shunning  hardships  or  shrinking  from  dangers,  the  man 
of  God  pursued  his  solitary  way  to  seek  the  lost  and 
save  the  ruined.  The  sacrifice  was  accepted,  souls 
were  converted  and  saints  comforted  through  his  efforts 
and  instrumentality. 


804  BIOGRAPHICAL    JTOTICES. 

Marked  results  have  followed  his  ministerial  labors 
both  at  home  and  abroad.  He  sowed  "  precious  seed" 
and  gathered  a  bountiful  harvest.  He  stated  to  the  wri- 
ter a  few  months-  previous  to  his  decease,  that  the  church, 
while  under  his  pastoral  care,  had  enjoyed  fourteen 
general  revivals  and  received  large  and  frequent  acces- 
sions. He  had  baptized  on  a  profession  of  faith,  not 
far  from  two  thousand  converts,  attended  about  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  funerals,  and  solemnized  the 
nuptials  of  nine  hundred  and  fourteen  persons  or  four 
hundred  and  fifty-seven  couple.  During  that  time  six 
whole  churches  and  parts  of  six  others  had  colonized 
and  become  independent  bodies  at  various  points  in  the 
surrounding  country.  Seven  ministers  of  the  Gospel 
had  also  been  raised  up  in  the  church,  most  of  whom 
are  now  settled  as  pastors  of  Baptist  churches  at  differ- 
ent and  some  at  distant  places. 

But  Mr.  Miller  did  not  shrink  from  the  responsibili- 
ties of  other  relations  than  those  of  pastor  and  preacher. 
Social  duties  and  domestic  cares  claimed  and  received 
a  reasonable  share  of  his  time  and  attention.  He  did 
not  consider  secular  pursuits  entirely  inconsistent  with 
his  sacred  calling.  He  was  accustomed  to  mingle  with 
the  people  in  their  daily  business  and  worldly  avoca- 
tions. He  [married  their  children  and  buried  their 
dead,  and  sympathized  with  them  in  their  pleasures 
and  privations.  Pie  could  wield  the  axe  or  swing  the 
scythe,  and  follow  the  plough,  or  gather  the  harvest. 
He  could  earn  his  bread  and  support  his  family  by  the 
toil  of  his  own  hands  and  the  sweat  of  his  own  brow. 
This  was  not  uncommon  with  the  pioneer  ministers  of 
this  wild  region.     This  custom,  originating  in  necessity, 


PIONEER     PASTORS.  805 

lias  frequently  been  continued  from  choice,  much  to  the 
injury  of  the  cause,  prosperity  of  the  church  and  use- 
fulness of  the  ministry. 

Mr.  Miller  was  not  wholly  shielded  from  domestic 
trials  and  afflictions.  Death  crossed  the  threshold  and 
entered  his  dwelling.  The  wife  of  his  early  choice  and 
mother  of  his  eight  children,  died  November  22d,  1822, 
in  her  forty-eighth  year,  leaving  his  heart  sad  and  his 
home  desolate.  She  had  shared  with  him  the  hard- 
ships of  a  new  settlement  and  the  cares  of  a  numerous 
family.  Five  of  their  eight  children,  three  sons  and 
two  daughters,  have  deceased  ;  two  sons  and  one  daugh- 
ter are  still  living.  He  was  united  in  marriage,  April 
13th,  1823,  with  Miss  Elizabeth  Griffin,  who  now,  in 
her  sixty-sixth  year,  survives  him  with  her  only  son, 
to  mourn  his  loss  and  journey  alone. 

Mr.  Miller  continued  to  attend  to  his  business  and 
preach  the  Gospel  until  within  the  past  two  months. 
He  attended  a  funeral  and  preached  his  last  sermon, 
January  1st,  1857,  and  thus  solemnly  closed  an  active 
and  efficient  ministry  of  upwards  of  fifty-four  years. 
Since  that  time  until  his  decease,  he  has  been  confined 
to  his  sick  room  and  compelled  to  sit  in  his  chair  as  the 
only  mode  of  enduring  severe  pains  and  securing  need- 
ful repose.  He  was  not  idle  during  these  weary  weeks, 
but  he  occupied  his  thoughts  in  recalling  the  scenes  of 
his  eventful  life  and  employed  his  pen  in  committing 
them  to  paper,  at  the  request  and  for  the  gratification 
of  his  family  and  friends. 

After  lingering  for  some  weeks  in  great  pain,  on  the 
afternoon  of  Thursday,  February  19th,  1857,  in  full 
possession  of  his  reason,  he  calmly   passed  from  the 


306  BIOGRAPHICAL    NOTICES. 

scenes  of  his  mortal  life  and  earthly  labors.  He  was 
fully  aware  of  his  coming  change,  and  had  made  all 
necessary  arrangements  for  his  funeral  solemnities. 
He  had  selected  the  preacher  and  designated  the  ser- 
vices. His  funeral  was  attended  at  11  o'clock,  A.  M., 
on  Saturday  following  his  decease,  by  a  large  circle  of 
mourning  relatives  and  sympathizing  friends.  The 
Writer  of  this  notice,  preached  a  sermon  from  Acts  i.  8, 
and  presented  a  sketch  of  his  life  and  labors.  His  was 
the  record  of  human  life- — born,  married,  died — these 
follow  each  other  in  quick  succession  and  waft  us  on- 
ward to  the  shores  of  that  world  where  these  waves  of 
human  weal,  want  and  woe  may  never  reach,  never 
rage.  Mr.  Miller  has  passed  over  these  waves  and  at- 
tained the  shores  of  that  world.  Yes,  his  active  life 
has  ceased  and  his  abundant  labors  have  closed.  His 
warning  voice  is  hushed  in  the  silence  of  death  ;  his 
manly  form  is  mouldering  in  the  gloom  of  the  grave 
and  his  ransomed  spirit  is  reclining  on  the  bosom  of  In- 
finite Love. 

REV.    ELIJAH    PECK. 

It  will  be  impossible  to  present  more  than  an  imper- 
fect outline  of  the  life  and  labors  of  the  subject  of 
this  sketch.  Like  most  of  his  cotemporaries,  he  neither 
preached  from  notes  nor  took  note  of  his  preaching ;  his 
object  was  rather  to  win  souls  to  Christ  than  to  elicit 
applause  from  the  world.  Hence,  he  has  left  few  facts 
on  record  from  which  to  sketch  his  active  life  and 
abundant  labors. 

Elijah  Peck,  born  May  3d,  1767,  in  Warren,  Litch- 
field county,  Connecticut,  was   the  thirteenth   child   of 


PIONEER     PASTORS.  307 

poor  but  pious  parents.  Loft  an  orphan  in  early  child- 
hood, he  was  adopted  into  the  family  of  a  neighboring 
farmer  and  trained  to  agricultural  pursuits.  His  lit- 
erary opportunities  were  exceedingly  limited.  He  at- 
tended school  during  the  Winter  months  for  a  few 
years  and  acquired  a  knowledge  of  the  branches  usu- 
ally taught  in  common  schools.  This  was  the  extent 
of  his  education. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Elizabeth  Pinny,  of  his  native  town.  Im- 
mediately after,  with  his  youthful  companion,  he  left 
his  early  home  and  came  to  Cooperstown,  Otsego 
county,  New  York,  where  he  remained  for  some  few 
years.  Early  in  the  Spring  of  1795,  he  moved  with 
his  wife  and  three  children  into  the  "Beech  Woods," 
and  settled  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  Northampton  county,  now 
Wayne — Pennsylvania.  The  journey  was  performed 
with  an  ox  team  and  sled.  He  had  previously  come  to 
the  place  and  purchased  a  lot  of  wild  land  ;  made  an 
opening  in  the  dense  forest  and  erected  a  log  cabin. 
He  had  also  harvested  a  crop  of  wheat  and  stacked  it 
in  the  open  field,  and  done  all  in  his  power  to  provide 
a  comfortable  shelter  and  needful  supply  for  his  little 
family.  But  when  he  returned  with  his  wife  and  chil- 
dren to  take  possession  of  his  new  home,  he  was  disap- 
pointed to  find  that  during  his  absence  the  bears  had 
demolished  his  stack  and  devoured  his  wheat.  This 
was  a  great  misfortune.  Few  harvests  had  been 
gathered  and  no  grist-mill  had  yet  been  erected  in  the 
vicinity,  consequently  suitable  provisions  were  very 
scarce  and  exceedingly  costly.  It  is  related  that  he 
and  his  family  subsisted  for  some  seven  weeks  on  hulled 


308  BIOGRAPHICAL    NOTICES. 

corn.  This  was  hard  but  wholesome  fare.  Thus,  in 
common  with  others,  he  endured  many  privations  and 
hardships  incident  to  pioneer  life.  At  this  time  the 
settlement  embraced  only  six  families  besides  his  own. 
The  country  for  miles  around  was  an  unbroken  wilder- 
ness. 

At  an  early  age  his  attention  had  been  directed  to 
the  importance  of  personal  religion.  "  One  night," 
to  quote  from  an  obituary  notice  prepared  by  his  widow 
soon  after  his  decease,  "  when  but  a  child  while  imploring 
the  divine  mercy,  a  lovely  form  appeared  as  his  friend; 
when  he  arose  in  the  morning  he  seemed  to  be  in  a 
new  world — field  and  forest  seemed  radiant  with  beauty 
and  vocal  with  praise."  These  peculiar  exercises  were 
carefully  concealed  from  his  scoffing  companions  and 
soon  almost  forgotten  amid  the  empty  allurements  of 
youthful  sports.  But  whatever  their  origin  or  design, 
they  were  frequently  recalled  in  riper  years,  and  doubt- 
less exerted  a  salutary  restraint  on  his  conduct  and 
moulding  influence  on  his  character. 

In  the  Fall  of  1800,  Rev.  Epaphras  Thompson,  a 
Baptist  minister  from  Bristol,  Connecticut,  came  to 
Mt.  Pleasant  and  preached  the  Gospel  with  marked 
effect  and  general  acceptance.  A  large  number  of 
persons,  considering  the  sparseness  of  the  population, 
were  hopefully  converted.  Elijah  Peck  was  among  the 
number.  Aroused  and  enlightened  under  the  appeals 
of  the  Gospel  and  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  his 
former  exercises  were  vividly  recalled  and  prayerfully 
reviewed.  This  seemed  to  him  to  be  the  last  call.  He 
was  made  sensible  of  his  guilt  and  danger.  "  His 
sins,"  to  quote  as   above,  "rolled  up  before  him  like 


PIONEER    PASTORS.  309 

dark  mountains,  and  the  law  from  Sinai  thundered  in 
his  ears  the  sentence  of  condemnation.  He  gave  up 
all  for  lost  and  became  a  constant  mourner/'  But  his 
friend  of  lovely  form  again  appearing,  he  fell  at  his 
feet  and  cast  himself  on  his  mercy.  Hope  dispelled 
his  fears  and  joy  banished  his  sorrows.  The  Saviour 
was  now  to  him  indeed,  "the  one  altogether  lovely  and 
chief  among  ten  thousand." 

It  was  not  long  before  the  Free  Communion  Baptist 
Church  was  re-organized  in  Mt.  Pleasant,  with  four- 
teen constituent  members.  Mr.  Peck  not  making  a 
public  profession  of  religion  at  once  by  uniting  with 
the  church,  his  mind  soon  became  entangled  in  doubts 
and  enveloped  in  darkness.  While  in  this  distressing 
state  of  mind,  by  request,  he  related  his  religious  ex- 
ercises before  the  church,  "  beginning  where  the  Lord 
began  with  him,  and  when  he  came  to  the  point  where 
his  friend  had  appeared,  his  doubts  were  removed  and 
his  darkness  dispersed."  Strong  faith  now  possessed 
his  mind  and  divine  light  pervaded  his  soul.  Soon 
after  this  he  was  baptized  by  Mr.  Thompson  and  re- 
ceived as  a  member  of  the  church.  About  this  time 
the  mind  of  Mr.  Peck  was  exercised  on  the  duty  of 
preaching  the  Gospel ;  he  longed  to  warn  sinners  to 
"flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,"  and  point  them  to  the 
"Lamb  of  God."  With  the  approbation  of  the  church 
and  in  obedience  to  his  own  convictions  of  duty,  he  en- 
tered at  once  upon  the  responsible  work ;  his  first  ef- 
forts were  characterized  by  a  laudable  zeal  and  attend- 
ed with  encouraging  tokens  of  divine  approbation. 

In  June,  1806,  at  the  age  of  thirty-nine,  Mr.  Peck 
was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry.     In 


310  BIOGRAPHICAL   NOTICES. 

the  following  Summer,  however,  becoming  dissatisfied 
with  open  commonion,  by  searching  the  Scriptures  and 
observing  its  evil  tendency  on  the  order  and  discipline 
of  the  church,  he  and  seven  others  took  letters  of  dis- 
mission and  organized,  September  6th,  1807,  as  an  in- 
dependent body,  and  adopted  Articles  of  Faith  and  a 
church  Covenant.  On  the  9th  of  October  following, 
they  were  recognized  as  the  Regular  Baptist  Church 
of  Mt.  Pleasant,  with  appropriate  religious  services, 
by  a  council  called  for  that  purpose  from  Abington  and 
Palmyra  churches. 

Mr.  Peck  was  the  esteemed  pastor  of  Mt.  Pleasant 
Church  from  March  3d,  1808,  until  his  decease,  March 
16th,  1835 — upwards  of  a  quarter  of  a  century.  Under 
his  ministry  the  church  continued  for  many  years  to 
enjoy  much  prosperity.  Within  the  first  eighteen  years 
of  its  existence,  it  increased  from  eight  to  near  a  hun- 
dred communicants.  This,  however,  was  the  culminat- 
ing point  in  its  numerical  prosperity  under  his  pastoral 
labors.  The  last  ten  years  of  his  ministry  were  not 
attended  with  the  same  degree  of  apparent  success 
that  had  characterized  his  earlier  and  more  efficient 
labors.  However,  during  the  entire  period  of  his  min- 
istry his  labors  were  arduous  and  abundant.  He  was 
accustomed  to  preach  during  the  week  as  well  as  on 
the  Sabbath,  in  private  dwellings  at  various  stations 
scattered  over  an  extensive  field.  He  frequently  trav- 
eled on  foot  or  rode  on  horseback  from  four  to  forty 
miles  through  the  wilderness,  following  foot-paths  or 
guided  by  marked  trees,  to  preach  the  Gospel  in  dis- 
tant and  destitute  neighborhoods.  Thus  he  went  forth 
like  his  Master  to  seek  the  lost  and  save  the  ruined. 


TIONEER    PASTORS.  811 

To  the  labors  of  the  ministry  were  added  the  cares 
of  a  numerous  family  and  toils  of  an  active  life.  He 
was  accustomed  to  wield  the  axe  and  fell  the  forest ;  to 
shoulder  the  rifle  and  pursue  the  game.  He  was  one 
of  the  first  supervisors  of  the  town,  and  previous  to 
the  war  of  1812,  captain  of  a  military  company.  Du- 
ring the  earlier  portion  of  his  ministry  he  depended 
chiefly  on  his  own  efforts  to  provide  for  the  wants  of 
himself  and  family.  This  was  a  necessity  with  the 
pioneer  ministers  of  this  wild  region.  The  members 
of  the  Mt.  Pleasant  Church,  however,  were  among  the 
first  to  provide  a  partial  support  for  their  pastor.  In 
the  Spring  of  182(5,  the  church  decided  to  raise  Mr. 
Peck  a  salary  of  one  hundred  dollars  per  annum. 

In  the  Spring  of  1813  he  was  called  to  taste  the 
bitter  cup  of  domestic  affliction.  On  the  17th  of  May 
of  that  year,  the  wife  of  his  early  choice  and  mother 
of  his  twelve  children,  deceased,  leaving  his  rural 
home  desolate  and  burdened  heart  almost  in  despair. 
Having  been  a  member  of  the  church  some  five  years 
and  mistress  of  his  household  nearly  a  quarter  of  a 
century,  she  was  esteemed  a  sincere  Christian,  a  fond 
mother  and  faithful  companion. 

Miss  Elizabeth  Horton  became  his  second  wife  and 
shared  his  domestic  cares.  Having  survived  him  with 
their  two  sons  to  mourn  his  loss,  she  remains  a  widow 
and  resides  on  the  homestead  at  Mt.  Pleasant. 

Mr.  Peck  continued  to  attend  his  appointments  and 
preach  the  Gospel  until  the  Summer  of  1834,  when  he 
received  a  paralytic  stroke  which  was  repeated  at  in- 
tervals until  his  speech  and  memory  failed.  In  this 
condition  he  lingered  till  March  16th,  1835,  when  he 


312  BIOGRAPHICAL    NOTICES. 

calmly  fell  asleep.  His  funeral  sermon  was  preached 
by  Rev.  Henry  Curtis  at  his  request,  from  2  Cor.  13 : 
11.  A  large  circle  of  relatives  and  friends  attended 
his  funeral  and  followed  him  to  the  grave.  His  mortal 
remains  now  rest  in  the  family  cemetery  near  his  early 
residence,  under  an  apple  tree  planted  by  his  own  hand. 
A  plain  marble  slab  marks  the  place  of  his  rest  and 
bears  an  appropriate  inscription. 

It  is  related  by  those  who  knew  him  personally,  that 
Mr.  Peck  was  rather  above  the  medium  stature,  slightly 
stooping ;  of  slender  form  and  sharp  features.  His  gene- 
ral appearance  indicated  great  activity  and  power  of  en- 
durance. His  voice  was  musical  and  pleasant  and  his 
manners  affable  and  modest.  Without  superior  natural 
talents  or  attainments,  he  had  studied  the  Scriptures 
during  his  hours  of  leisure  with  prayerful  attention, 
and  stored  his  mind  with  a  rich  fund  of  religious  know- 
ledge. With  little  order  or  arrangement  in  his  dis- 
courses, yet  his  flowing  tears  and  fervent  manner  ex- 
cited an  interest  in  the  minds  of  his  audience  and  usu- 
ally secured  their  earnest  attention.  But  whatever 
were  his  talents  or  attainments  he  moved  in  a  sphere 
of  great  usefulness  and  "served  his  own  generation  by 
the  will  of  God."  He  has  passed  from  the  toils  of 
earth  to  the  rest  of  heaven.  Let  us  cherish  his  re- 
vered memory,  emulate  his  holy  zeal,  and  imitate  his 
self-sacrificing  example. 


